How to Fold a Paper Airplane: 6 Easy Steps

What You’ll Need

One sheet of A4 or letter-size paper (standard printer paper works best)
A flat, hard surface like a table or desk
Optional: a ruler or bone folder to make sharp creases

Step-by-Step

Start with the paper portrait. Place the paper on your flat surface with the shorter edge at the top and the longer edges on the sides. If your paper has a printed side, face it down so the fold marks stay hidden.
Fold in half lengthwise. Bring the left edge over to the right edge, making a crisp vertical crease down the center. Unfold the paper so it lies flat again. This center line is your guide for the next folds.
Fold the top corners to the center. Take the top left corner and fold it down so its edge aligns with the center crease. Do the same with the top right corner. The top of the paper now forms a triangle point.
Fold the slanted edges to the center. Take the newly formed slanted edge on the left and fold it in to meet the center crease. Repeat on the right. The paper now looks like a long, narrow triangle with a pointed nose.
Fold the entire paper in half along the center crease. Fold the left half over the right half, so the folded edges are on the outside and the wings are on the inside. The nose should be sharp and symmetrical.
Fold the wings down. Lay the folded paper with the nose pointing away from you. Take the top layer of the top edge and fold it down so it aligns with the bottom edge of the body. Flip the paper over and repeat on the other side. Make sure both wings are even, then lift them up slightly so they are perpendicular to the body.

Common Mistakes

Uneven folds: If your left and right sides don’t match, the plane will turn or dive. Take your time and align edges carefully.
Soft creases: Wrinkly or loose folds make the plane flimsy. Use your thumbnail or a ruler to press each crease firmly.
Wings not level: If one wing is higher than the other, the plane will roll or spiral. Adjust them so they are flat and parallel.
Folding the wings too far down: If the wings are folded too low, the plane will dive. Keep the wings at a slight upward angle (about 10 degrees) for better lift.

Tips

Use a clean, smooth sheet of paper—avoid crumpled or damp paper.
Make the nose heavier by adding a small piece of tape or a paperclip near the front. This shifts the center of gravity forward and improves stability.
For longer flights, throw the plane gently with a smooth, level motion, not a hard toss.
If the plane stalls or loops, slightly bend the back edges of the wings up. If it dives, bend them down a little.
Practice in a large, open area with no wind for best results.

Troubleshooting

Plane dives straight into the ground: This usually means the nose is too heavy or the wings are angled down. Add a slight upward bend to the back of the wings (called elevators) and make sure the wings are level.

Plane turns sharply left or right: Check that your folds are symmetrical. If they are, the wings may be uneven. Adjust the wing angles so they match exactly.

Plane stalls and falls: The nose is too light or the wings are angled up too much. Add a paperclip to the nose or flatten the wing angle slightly.

Plane flutters or wobbles: The wings may be too flexible. Use a stiffer paper (like cardstock) or fold the wings down again to make them narrower.

Plane doesn’t fly far: Increase the throw speed gradually, and ensure the wings are perpendicular to the body. A common issue is that the wings are too wide, which creates drag—fold them down a bit more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best paper to use?

Standard printer paper (75–90 gsm) is ideal. Heavier paper like cardstock is harder to fold but flies farther; lighter paper like newspaper is too flimsy.

How do I make my paper airplane fly farther?

Ensure all folds are sharp and symmetrical. Throw it with a smooth, level motion, and adjust the wing angle slightly upward. Adding a paperclip to the nose also helps.

Why does my paper airplane always turn to one side?

This is almost always due to asymmetric folds or uneven wing angles. Check that both sides are identical and that the wings are level.

Can I use a different size of paper?

Yes, but the proportions change. A4 and letter-size are the most common and give the best results. Smaller paper like A5 works but flies shorter distances.

How do I make a loop-de-loop?

Bend the back edges of the wings upward slightly. Throw the plane with more force and a slight upward angle. The exact amount of bend takes practice.

How do I store a paper airplane so it keeps its shape?

Keep it flat in a folder or between books. Avoid crushing it. If it gets bent, you can re-crease the folds gently.

Sources: NASA. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.