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Regrouping in Math – Definition With Examples

Camille Ira B. Mendoza

Updated on January 9, 2026

Welcome to Brighterly, where we explore key math concepts and topics in detail. In this article, we are going to look into regrouping in math, one of the most fundamental and necessary skills kids can learn in elementary math. With this simple technique, they learn to add and subtract even very large numbers accurately and independently.

Below, we will look at the definition of what is regrouping in math, why it is important, how to add and subtract by regrouping, and examine some examples and problems. 

What is regrouping in math?

Let’s start with trying to understand what does regrouping mean in math and why it is important.

If shortly, regrouping is a process of rearranging numbers in place values to make addition and subtraction easier. According to this system, ten units in one place value are equal to one unit in the next place value. With this knowledge, we can then exchange those values when performing arithmetic. 

How does regrouping work?

As we already mentioned, regrouping is based on the fact that the base ten number system is positional. That is, the value of a digit is determined by its position in the number. 

When you want to regroup, the process of how to regroup will involve two main actions, depending on whether you need to add or subtract.

• In the case of addition, you need to regroup by carrying. So, when the sum of digits in a single place value is ten or higher, you still keep the digit below ten, and carry the additional value to the digit in the next place value.  
• When you want to subtract, you do so through “borrowing.” Here, if the top digit is smaller than the bottom digit (e.g., in 12, 5 is smaller than 2), you borrow one unit from the column to the left to make the subtraction possible. Think of that borrowed unit as ten units for the current column, which will make the top digit large enough to carry out the subtraction.

This may sound a bit confusing at first, but the process of how to regroup in math is very simple. We will look at it in more detail in the next section.

What is regrouping in math addition?

Let’s now look at how to regroup in math when doing addition. As already mentioned, this process is called carrying, and it’s because you add numbers together by holding the excess value from one place value to the one to its left when the sum of the first column is more than 9. 

To do this, you need to add the numbers in the ones column first (e.g., sum 5 + 7 = 12), then separate the total into the Tens group and its Ones group. You write 2 in the current column, and move the 1 into the Tens column to the left. 

This seems straightforward for small numbers, but once your kid needs to add larger numbers, they will notice how helpful regrouping with this system is, even when they are doing it mentally.

What is regrouping in math subtraction?

Now, let’s discuss what is regrouping in subtraction. The logic of regrouping when we want to subtract is similar, except for the difference that this time, you take or “borrow” a value from the digit on the left. This is necessary in cases when the digit on top (or the last digit of number A) is smaller than the one on the bottom (the last digit of number B). Let’s take the example of 63 – 28. Since you cannot subtract 8 from a 3, you must regroup.

To borrow, look at the column left from the one for which you need additional values. You take 1 unit from there (which corresponds to 10 units in the column to its right), reducing the number of units by 1. In the case of 63, we take 1 unit from 6, leaving it as 5. You now have 13 – 8 = 5 in the ones column. Then, subtract the 2 from the remaining 5 to get 3 for the Tens position, and you get 63 – 28 = 35. 

Through this process of borrowing, your kid can temporarily change the form of the top number without changing its value, to make the process simpler. 

Why is regrouping important?

Knowing how to regroup in math plays a critical role, as it lays the foundation for more advanced mathematical operations, like division and multiplication. It’s an efficient system that teaches how to handle excess or deficiency during calculations.

Additionally, when your kid understands regrouping, they develop a deeper grasp of place value and the base ten system, which are both essential mathematical skills on their own. 

Examples of regrouping in math

Now, let’s have a look at some more regrouping math examples to better understand the exact steps you need to take. 

Regrouping in addition

Here is a detailed example of regrouping in addition to help you better understand which steps you need to take. 

Problem: 46 + 36

The first step is to add the digits in the Ones column. 6 + 6 = 12. Since 12 > 10, you write only 2 in the Ones column, and carry the ten into the Tens column (there, it will have a value of 1). Add together the digits from the tens column, including the 1 you carried over: 4 + 3 + 1 = 8. With 8 in the Tens place and 2 in the Ones place, the answer is 46 + 36 = 82.

Regrouping in subtraction

Problem: 135 – 76

The first step your kid needs to take here is 5 – 6. Since 5 < 6, we “borrow” a value from the left-hand column (3 becomes 2). Now, we have 15 in the Ones place, and 15 – 6 = 9. Next step is to subtract 7 from 12 (remember that 3 lost 1), leaving us with 5 in the Tens place. So, 135 – 76 = 59.

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Solved math tasks on regrouping

1. Solve 67 + 25 using the Carrying method.

Solution: Step 1. Add the ones: 7+5 = 2 ( it’s 12, but we keep 2 and carry 1 to the Tens). Step 2. 6+2+1=9 

Answer: 

2. Solve 81 – 34 using the Borrowing method.

Solution: Step 1. Subtract 1 – 4 = 7 (we take 1 from the Tens, getting 11 – 4). Step 2. In the tens, 8 is now a 7. Subtract 7 – 3 = 4

Answer: 

3. Add 289 + 173 using Carrying 

Solution: Step 1. 9 + 3 = 2 (12, we carry 1 to the Tens). Step 2. 8+7+1(carried) = 6 (16, but we carry 1 to Hundreds). Step 3. 2+1+1(Carried over) = 4

Answer:

Regrouping in practice problems

1. Solve the problem using the Carrying method: 458 + 275 = ?
2. Solve the problem using the Borrowing method: 624 – 387 = ?
3. Solve the problem using the Carrying method: 1,369 + 842 = ?
4. Solve the problem using the Carrying method: 9,284 + 9,284 = ?
5. Solve the problem using the Borrowing method: 5,003 – 2,415 = ?

Conclusion

As your kid starts their math journey, regrouping is one of the first and most important topics that they will learn. With this straightforward technique, they will not only manage calculations but also develop a strong number sense, which they will then carry into all future mathematics. 

Frequently asked questions about regrouping

Why is regrouping sometimes called carrying or borrowing?

Math regrouping is sometimes called carrying or borrowing as a reference to the processes students use when regrouping. More precisely, they “carry” a value to the digit to the left in the case of addition, and “borrow” a value from the digit to the left when subtracting.

At what grade level is regrouping typically introduced?

Your child will likely be introduced to what does regroup mean in the first grade for basic two-digit addition. Often, teachers focus on the concept of carrying first, leaving more complex subtraction and place value for second and third grades.

Are there any alternative methods to regrouping?

As an alternative to regrouping, the partial sums method (which involves adding the values of each place separately, like 30+10 and 5+7), as well as mental math, are common among kids. 

How can I help my child practice regrouping at home?

For kids just learning regrouping, the best way you can explain the regroup meaning is through props, such as 10 cutouts or coins, to physically show them how exchanging 10 with 1 works. Then, give them some exercises to solve using this method and explain as they go.

Is regrouping only applicable to addition and subtraction?

No. While you can hear the term regrouping more commonly in the context of addition and subtraction, it’s very important for multiplication and division as well. For example, the multi-digit multiplication often involves carrying. However, these techniques are more complicated than adding and subtracting.

Regrouping in math: Worksheets

Now that you know the regroup definition and how to use regrouping for adding and subtracting, it’s time to put the theory into practice. These free worksheets come filled with relevant activities and exercises that will make learning both fun and effective. Make sure to give them a try!

• Addition With Regrouping Worksheets
• Addition And Subtraction With Regrouping Worksheets
• Addition and subtraction worksheets

Camille Ira B. Mendoza

43 articles

I am a seasoned math tutor with over seven years of experience in the field. Holding a Master’s Degree in Education, I take great joy in nurturing young math enthusiasts, regardless of their age, grade, and skill level. Beyond teaching, I am passionate about spending time with my family, reading, and watching movies. My background also includes knowledge in child psychology, which aids in delivering personalized and effective teaching strategies.