Number systems practice

Binary addition and subtraction worksheets

Print 16 binary arithmetic problems with addition, subtraction or a balanced mix. Choose four operand ranges and include a separate answer key.

Ready-made English PDF · fixed settings

Customization below makes a separate PDF.

Fixed English ready-made files. Custom settings below apply only to the configured PDF.

Ready to print

Start with a ready-made worksheet

Work vertically in base two. Carry when a column totals two, and borrow a group of two when needed. The selected range applies to operands.

Download the practice pages alone, or include a separate answer key or teacher model. Longer activities may use more than one page.

Customize this worksheet

Paper sizes and printing help · More number systems activities

The range describes the operands

Choose addition only, subtraction only or a mixed sheet with eight of each. Addition results can exceed the selected range. Subtraction uses a larger first operand and a strictly positive difference.

The preview and downloaded PDF use the same questions. Include answers to append a separate key, or download just the student worksheet.

Learning objective

What this activity builds

Add and subtract in base two while keeping each digit in its correct place.

Worked example

Add 1011 and 1001 in base 2.

10100 in base 2.

The operands represent 11 and 9. Their sum is 20, which is 16 + 4 in binary. The answer needs an extra place.

Teaching notes

Make the practice count

  • Align rightmost digits before calculating.
  • Remember that 1 + 1 is written 10 in binary.
  • Use decimal conversion as a check, then explain the binary working.
  • Practice one operation before choosing the mixed worksheet.

Make it yours

Customize the practice

Choose your options, update the preview, then download the exact same pages.

Choose a range and operation profile. Every worksheet contains 16 reproducible tasks with a separate answer view.

Worksheet settings

Page note and reproducible seed

The same settings and seed make the same questions. Shared links include your page note; leave personal information out. Notes use the selected language’s supported characters; English accepts basic Latin text.

Configured PDF · Binary Addition and Subtraction · US Letter

Preview ready. Download includes these exact pages.

1 student page
Enlarged pages scroll. PDF size stays the same.
Math SheetNameScore/ 16TeacherDateBinary Addition and SubtractionCalculate each value in the stated number base.1.01012+100122.11112-101123.110012-001124.011012-110125.010012+010126.000112-110127.010012+1100128.111112-0011129.001012+11101210.010112+0001211.00112+11001212.110112-0111213.00112+1001214.111012-0111215.101012-1001216.001012+000012math-sheet.comPage 1 / 1

A useful next step

Related activities

First page preview: Decimal and binary conversion worksheets

Number systems

Decimal and binary conversion worksheets

Convert between decimal and binary with 16 questions, four number ranges and a separate answer key. Customize the worksheet and download a Letter or A4 PDF.

Preview and download
First page preview: Octal addition and subtraction worksheets

Number systems

Octal addition and subtraction worksheets

Practice vertical base-eight addition and subtraction with four operand ranges, 16 problems and optional answers. Generate a fresh printable set with the same settings.

Preview and download
First page preview: Bitwise operations worksheets

Number systems

Bitwise operations worksheets

Practice AND, OR, XOR, NAND, NOR and NXOR with four-bit or eight-bit numbers. Choose operators, generate 16 problems and print width-correct answers.

Preview and download