Column Subtraction

Column Subtraction

by Esa Helttula

6 ratings
6 reviews
$3.99

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • December 9, 2009
  • May 29, 2026

Features

Column Subtraction screenshot #1 for iPhone
Column Subtraction screenshot #2 for iPhone
Column Subtraction screenshot #3 for iPhone
Column Subtraction screenshot #4 for iPhone
Column Subtraction screenshot #5 for iPhone
Column Subtraction screenshot #6 for iPhone
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About

This educational app teaches and reinforces the column subtraction method. It offers an interactive interface with customizable settings for solving random or custom problems. The app includes a puzzle feature that unlocks as users solve math problems.

Column subtraction method teaching
Interactive and customizable interface
Random and custom problem solving
Adjustable number of digits
Step-by-step renaming animation
Picture puzzle reward system
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What's New in Column Subtraction

7.0

May 29, 2026

Updated for iOS 26 compatibility.

User reviews

Full of bugs; not maintained in years

It’s January 2026. I gave the app 1 star because it is full of bugs and is unpredictable. 1.) All settings are reset to default after exiting and re-entering. 2.) The subtraction sign is ON TOP OF the number in the second row most of the time but not always. The minus sign should be to the LEFT of the number.
3.) The digit settings don’t do what is expected half the time.
When setting the game to 3-digit subtraction, the game might display 2-digit or 1-digit or other.

I wasted $4 on this app. If an app isn’t maintained for 4 years like this one and has a 5-star review, then closer inspection is warranted.

The app has good features and is a great concept. However, the features just don’t work as intended.

The only written review was from 15 years ago, and it was a 5-star praise of the app. Buyer beware.

Update Jan./2026: I am running iOS 26.2 on an iPhone 14 Pro Max, so my software is up-to-date.
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Full of bugs; not maintained in years

It’s January 2026. I gave the app 1 star because it is full of bugs and is unpredictable. 1.) All settings are reset to default after exiting and re-entering. 2.) The subtraction sign is ON TOP OF the number in the second row most of the time but not always. The minus sign should be to the LEFT of the number.
3.) The digit settings don’t do what is expected half the time.
When setting the game to 3-digit subtraction, the game might display 2-digit or 1-digit or other.

I wasted $4 on this app. If an app isn’t maintained for years and has approximately all 5-star reviews, then closer inspection is warranted.

The app has good features and is a great concept. However, the features just don’t work as intended.

The only written review was from 15 years ago, and it was a 5-star praise of the app. Buyer beware.
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Good, or try try 'Trade-First Subtraction'

This subtraction app works fine but the method is unfamiliar to me. If this one looks unfamiliar to you too, I'd recommend the 'Trade-First Subtraction' app from this developer. That one matches was how I was taught at school, and is really good.

WONDERFUL APP!

This is an excellent way for my special education students to practice the skills they have learned in solving subtraction problems with regrouping. This is such a hard concept for them to work out on paper many times and this app makes it fun and at the same time shows them what they need to do. Then, when THEY actually go to work problems out on paper by themselves they refer to what they app showed them how to do. For some reason it is so much "cooler" to do the way the app shows them verses the way the "teacher" shows them....LOL - my students love this app. GET ALL of Esa's apps - they will have your students asking to solve problems all the time.
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I bought both. Try Addition too.

This app is a great learning tool for teachers and parents to share with students and kids.

The jigsaw puzzle pieces are a nice addition that makes it fun.

Developer apps

FAQ

What is Column Subtraction?

Column Subtraction is a paid educational app designed to teach and study the column subtraction method. It provides an interactive way to practice solving subtraction problems with customizable settings.

How does Column Subtraction help with learning subtraction?

The app uses an interactive interface with options like 'show current operation' to guide users through each step. It also offers positive reinforcement by preventing wrong entries, helping users build confidence and competence.

What customization options are available in Column Subtraction?

Users can customize the number of digits in numbers (1-5), the number of numbers to subtract (2 or 3), and whether problems are random or custom. Renaming can be manual or automatic, and animations can be adjusted.

Does Column Subtraction have a puzzle feature?

Yes, Column Subtraction includes a feature with 25 six-piece jigsaw puzzles of cute animals. One puzzle piece is revealed for each addition problem solved, and this feature can be turned on or off.

What devices is Column Subtraction compatible with?

Column Subtraction is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It offers different interface layouts for iPhone and iPad.

How often is Column Subtraction updated?

The latest version of Column Subtraction is 6.5, which was last updated on September 28, 2021. The app was originally released on December 9, 2009.

What is the price of Column Subtraction?

Column Subtraction is a paid app priced at $3.99. It does not feature in-app purchases or advertisements.

What is the age rating for Column Subtraction?

Column Subtraction has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young learners and children who are beginning to learn subtraction.