Aircraft Weight and Balance Calculator

Compute total weight, center of gravity (CG), and moments for any light aircraft. Configure your own stations, fuel, and limits, then instantly see if your loading is safe.

Weight & Balance Planner

Aircraft limits (optional but recommended)
Station Weight Arm Moment Type Remove
Totals: 0 lb — 0 CG: — in

Status & limits

Enter weights and arms to see total weight, CG, and limit checks.
Total weight
0 lb
No limits set
Loaded CG
— in
Awaiting data
Fuel on board
0 lb
0 gal

CG envelope (simplified)

This mini-plot shows your current loading relative to the forward and aft CG limits you entered. For precise envelopes, always refer to the aircraft POH/AFM.

Forward limit Aft limit
— CG: — —

Disclaimer: This tool is for educational and planning use only. Always verify calculations against the official aircraft documentation and comply with applicable aviation regulations.

How this weight and balance calculator works

This tool follows the same principles taught in the FAA Weight & Balance Handbook and pilot training materials, but lets you configure any light aircraft:

  • Define your own stations (pilot, passengers, baggage, fuel, equipment).
  • Enter weight and arm for each station.
  • The calculator computes each moment, total weight, total moment, and center of gravity (CG).
  • Optionally enter maximum weights and CG limits to get instant pass/fail feedback.

Core formulas

Moment for each station

\( \text{Moment}_i = \text{Weight}_i \times \text{Arm}_i \)

Total weight

\( W_\text{total} = \sum_i \text{Weight}_i \)

Total moment

\( M_\text{total} = \sum_i \text{Moment}_i \)

Center of gravity (CG)

\( \text{CG} = \dfrac{M_\text{total}}{W_\text{total}} \)

The arm is the horizontal distance from the aircraft’s reference datum (defined in the POH/AFM) to the station. Arms aft of the datum are usually positive; forward arms may be negative.

Step-by-step: performing a weight and balance calculation

  1. Gather aircraft data. From the official Weight & Balance sheet, note:
    • Basic empty weight and moment.
    • Maximum ramp, takeoff, and landing weights.
    • Forward and aft CG limits (often varying with weight).
    • Arms for each station (seats, baggage areas, fuel tanks, etc.).
  2. Enter basic empty weight. Use a fixed row for “Basic Empty” with its weight and arm (or moment). This represents the aircraft with unusable fuel and full operating fluids.
  3. Add payload and fuel. For each station (pilot, passengers, baggage, fuel), enter the actual weight and the published arm.
  4. Review totals. The calculator shows:
    • Total weight.
    • Total moment.
    • Computed CG (moment ÷ weight).
  5. Check against limits. Compare:
    • Total weight vs. max ramp / takeoff / landing weight.
    • Computed CG vs. forward and aft limits for that weight.
    If any limit is exceeded, adjust loading (move baggage, reduce fuel, change seating) and recalculate.

Understanding forward vs. aft CG

The CG location strongly affects handling and performance:

  • Forward CG: higher stall speed, longer takeoff roll, heavier control forces, may be difficult to flare.
  • Aft CG: lower stall speed but reduced stability, lighter control forces, easier to overcontrol, more difficult stall/spin recovery.

That’s why operating outside the published CG envelope is prohibited. This calculator helps you visualize where your loading sits relative to the limits, but the official envelope in the POH/AFM is always the authority.

Fuel, units, and common pitfalls

  • Fuel weight: Avgas is typically approximated as 6 lb/gal (2.72 kg/gal). Jet A is denser; use the value specified in your documentation.
  • Units: You can switch between imperial (lb, in, gal) and metric (kg, cm, L). The calculator keeps your data consistent.
  • Zero fuel weight: For some aircraft, you must also respect a maximum zero-fuel weight (MZFW). This tool does not enforce MZFW; check your manual.
  • Envelope shape: Many aircraft have a curved CG envelope, not just simple forward/aft lines. Always confirm your loading on the official chart.

Safety and regulatory note

This tool is intended as an educational and preflight planning aid. It does not replace:

  • The aircraft’s official Weight & Balance documentation (POH/AFM/WBM).
  • Regulatory requirements from the FAA, EASA, or your local aviation authority.
  • Operator or company procedures and performance calculations.

Before flight, always verify your final loading and performance using the official documents and methods required for your aircraft and operation.

FAQ

Do I need to include the pilot’s weight if I’m flying solo?

Yes. The pilot is part of the payload. Use the “Pilot / Front Left” station and enter your actual weight including clothing and gear.

Should I use ramp weight or takeoff weight?

Ramp weight includes fuel that will be burned during taxi. Takeoff weight is ramp weight minus taxi fuel. Many operators compute both to ensure they respect maximum ramp and maximum takeoff limits.

Can I save a typical loading configuration?

You can bookmark this page after entering your usual arms and station names, then only adjust weights as needed. For persistent storage across devices, use your browser’s “Save as” or an EFB app designed for operational use.