How to Make a Paper Airplane

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing.

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Up, up, and away! Paper airplanes are a fun, easy way to pass the time—but how exactly do you turn a basic piece of paper into a jet-setting masterpiece? You’ve come to the right place. We’ve put together a handy, step-by-step guide to help you fold your way to a sleek, far-flying paper airplane. In a matter of minutes, you’ll be ready for take-off!

Folding a Classic Paper Airplane

• If you want to make a colored paper airplane, use construction paper instead.

• Make sure the crease points toward you when you’re folding your paper airplane or else you’ll fold the wrong corners.

Fold the angled top edges toward the crease again. Grab the new top corner on one side of your paper and fold toward the crease to form a long triangle. Run your fingernail across the fold to secure it in place. Fold the other top corner in the same way so your piece of paper looks like a large triangle. [3] X Research source

Tip: Try using a ruler or a credit card to press the fold down if pressing it with your fingernail doesn’t work.

• This fold creates the bottom of your plane so it’s easier to hold and throw once it’s finished.

• Make sure your wings are symmetrical to one another so your plane stays level when you throw it.

Making an Advanced Plane

• Try using different kinds of paper to add designs and test how it affects your plane.

• Make sure the crease you folded is pointing toward you when you start folding the paper, or else your folds won’t line up.

• Don’t let the point touch the bottom edge of your paper or it will affect the structure of your plane when you’re finished.

• If you want your airplane to have a blunt edge in front instead of a point, fold the top of your paper so only the corners touch the center crease.

• Your paper should look like a large triangle on top of a narrow rectangle when you're finished.

• Don’t hide your previous folds inside or else it will affect your plane’s structure.

• Make sure the wings on your plane are the same size so your plane doesn’t fly to one side.

Community Q&A

It can fly far if thrown correctly. The best way to throw is to grab the bottom of it between the back and middle. Keep your arm completely level or slightly tilted up while stepping forwards and swinging it ahead. Then let go. It takes some practice to master, but the better you get, the faster and further your paper airplane will go.

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Yes, if you follow the instructions, making a paper airplane is easy, even the first time. If it doesn't fly as well as you would like, keep trying. Remember, practice makes perfect!

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The 'classic' airplane can fly up to about 12 feet, depending on how well it is made, the type of paper, if there is wind, and how well it is thrown.

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Test throwing your airplane outdoors so it can catch the wind and fly further. [13] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source

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1. ↑https://www.foldnfly.com/1.html
2. ↑https://www.foldnfly.com/1.html
3. ↑https://www.foldnfly.com/1.html
4. ↑https://www.foldnfly.com/1.html
5. ↑https://www.foldnfly.com/1.html
6. ↑https://www.origamiway.com/plane-nakamura-lock.shtml
7. ↑https://www.origamiway.com/plane-nakamura-lock.shtml
8. ↑https://www.origamiway.com/plane-nakamura-lock.shtml
9. ↑https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-make-the-worlds-best-paper-airplanes/

1. ↑https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-make-the-worlds-best-paper-airplanes/
2. ↑https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-make-the-worlds-best-paper-airplanes/
3. ↑https://www.artofmanliness.com/skills/how-to/how-to-make-the-worlds-best-paper-airplanes/
4. ↑https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/Aero_p046/aerodynamics-hydrodynamics/how-far-will-paper-planes-fly
5. ↑https://www.origamiway.com/paper-airplanes.shtml

About This Article

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Hunter Rising. Hunter Rising is a wikiHow Staff Writer based in Los Angeles. He has more than three years of experience writing for and working with wikiHow. Hunter holds a BFA in Entertainment Design from the University of Wisconsin - Stout and a Minor in English Writing. This article has been viewed 5,505,095 times.

To make a simple paper airplane, first fold a piece of paper in half lengthwise. Then, unfold it and fold the top 2 corners to the center. Next, fold the angled edges that you just created towards the center, leaving about 1 cm of space between the bottom of the angled edges and the crease. Fold along your original center-line, revealing a small inverted triangle. Now, fold the small inverted triangle up, to lock the angled edges in place. Then, turn your plane over and fold down the top 2 flaps to create wings. Hold it by the bottom edge, and let it fly! For tips on making a slightly more advanced plane, keep reading the article!