Column Subtraction vs KidMath GLB
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Column Subtraction
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
Read full descriptionHide full description
Column Subtraction helps students learn and practice the column subtraction method step by step. The app aligns the numbers automatically so students can focus on solving each column. Renaming is animated visually, helping students understand how values are moved between columns. Renaming can be done automatically or manually, and renaming over several columns is supported. Students can solve randomly generated problems or enter their own subtraction problems. The number of digits can be adjusted, making the app useful for different skill levels. Column subtraction is also known as columnar subtraction, long subtraction, or longhand subtraction. Renaming is also known as regrouping, trading, or borrowing. Features: - Subtract 2 or 3 numbers - Each number can have 1–5 digits - Randomly generated or manually entered problems - Automatic number alignment - Manual or automatic renaming/regrouping - Supports renaming over several columns - Current operation for each column can be hidden - Operands of the current operation can be highlighted - Adjustable animation speed - Different interfaces for iPhone and iPad - 25 six-piece animal jigsaw puzzles - Puzzle feature can be turned on or off Reviews and Endorsements: Professor Tim Pelton, assistant professor of Mathematics Education at the University of Victoria: “If your goal is to help your child to master the traditional subtraction algorithm then Column Subtraction may be the ideal App.” “With the ‘show current operation’ option turned on, they are constantly reminded of the next step, which can lead to efficient practice of the procedure. Then by turning off the current operation your child is able to practice remembering the steps on his/her own.” Teacher endorsement: “The Math apps by Esa Helttula allow students to practice and reinforce the specific computation strategies taught in class, with as much or as little scaffolding as necessary. They also provide individualized feedback to each student, with an immediacy that is not always possible through pencil and paper practice.” — Rita Zeni, Ecole Sandy Hill Elementary, Abbotsford, BC, Canada Other iDevBooks Math Apps: Other iDevBooks math apps include Column Addition, Long Division, Long Multiplication, Lattice Multiplication, Visual Multiplication Table, Fraction Math, Partial Differences Subtraction, Partial Quotients Division, Partial Sums Addition, and more. Feedback: New ideas to make this app better are welcome. Please visit idevbooks.com to give feedback. Privacy: This app has no ads, no in-app purchases, and does not transmit user data during operation. The app also does not contain links to other apps or to the web.
KidMath GLB
Read full descriptionHide full description
The KidMath GLB Fun App is not just for kids; it’s for everyone! With this app, anyone can engage in a fun way to exercise their brain. This app focuses on three basic math operations: less than, greater than, and in between. Users can customize the difficulty level by adjusting the number length up to five digits and the operations through the settings screen. To answer a question, users must select the correct answer from four options. After selecting an answer, simply press the next button to see the following question. Have fun and improve your IQ!
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is price: KidMath GLB at Free against Column Subtraction's $3.99. KidMath GLB also leads on iOS requirement (12.0 vs 17.6). Column Subtraction's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 8 months vs every 56 months). On in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
KidMath GLB is free to download; Column Subtraction costs $3.99 up front. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.
Column Subtraction ships an update every 8 months, KidMath GLB every 56 months. The most recent releases landed on October 8, 2026 and October 7, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Column Subtraction | KidMath GLB |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $3.99 | Free — better |
| Rating | 4.3 (6 ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 66.7% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 6 — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 8 months — better | Every 56 months |
| Ads | No — better | Yes |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Monetization | Paid | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPod |
| Requires iOS | 17.6 | 12.0 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 19 MB | 11 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Esa Helttula | gangadhar goud |
In-app purchases
Column Subtraction
No in-app purchases
KidMath GLB
No in-app purchases
Questions
Is Column Subtraction free?
Is KidMath GLB free?
Do Column Subtraction or KidMath GLB have ads?
Which is updated more often, Column Subtraction or KidMath GLB?
Other comparisons















