how to make a paper airplane step by step

Origami Way

How to make paper airplanes.

Learn how to make paper airplanes with these easy instructions. Select the plane you want and get ready for takeoff. Be careful with the ones that are pointy, they can hurt! Most planes are best indoors, but some will surpise you outdoors.

In addition, paper planes resemble flight itself! As early as 500 BC, they found the first folding paper airplane that came from China. The popularity of these paper airplane flying toys is the same as the paper-folding craft of origami, which grew in Japan around the same time in China.

Paper airplanes are very helpful when you want to illustrate air traffic control guidelines. There was a time when people used the paper airplane to explain and discuss the fundamental parts of real aircraft. People of a certain age may recall buying those fancy "White Wings" in the store made from several sheets of squeezed chipboard paper, and these cutout versions are still paper airplanes too.

How to Make a Paper Airplane?

If you want to know how to fold a paper airplane with the best design, you can check out this page for easy step-by-step paper airplane instructions, and you will be amazed at the outcome of the paper airplane you made.

Gather the materials needed, like a piece of origami paper or any other type of paper, and be excited about the results. When we want to achieve something like this paper airplane, we rely on the instructions given, and with these proper instructions, you can let your paper folding plane fly with the best design. Get your craft paper, and start the folding process to make the paper plane, soar it high.

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Paper Airplanes HQ

How to make paper airplanes, detailed fold and fly instructions for 50 awesome designs.

Over 50 flying paper airplane designs with written and video step-by-step folding instructions. All classes of paper airplanes are represented from darts to gliders to jets to schoolyard contest winners. There are models that look really cool, or fly super far or stay aloft for extend periods of time.

Paper Airplane Designs

A database of paper airplanes with easy to follow folding instructions, video tutorials and printable folding plans. find the best paper airplanes that fly the furthest and stay aloft the longest. learn how to make paper airplanes that will impress your friends., search airplanes, parents & teachers, become a member.

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About Fold'NFly

For more than 10 years, Fold'NFly has been teaching people around the world how to make paper airplanes . Our extensive database of designs includes step-by-step instructions, video guides and printable templates where you simply fold on the numbered lines to get a perfect paper plane, every time.

In addition to the paper airplane plans, we have a collection of expert tips & tricks that will help you perfect your folded aircraft and achieve optimal performance. We also have a collection of paper airplane articles on a variety of topics that enthusiasts may find interesting. For example, discover some paper airplane world records or learn how to make a paper airplane launcher .

Whether you are an expert paper airplane ace pilot or a novice student aviator, we have something for everyone. We hope that you will enjoy this fun activity and share it with friends and family.

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How to Make a Paper Airplane: 29 Easy Designs with Steps

Home > How to Make a Paper Airplane: 29 Easy Designs with Steps

Paper airplanes have captivated the hearts and minds of both young and old, offering a simple yet delightful way to explore the fascinating world of flight. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through the basics of crafting paper airplanes and introduce you to 29 distinctive designs to spark your creativity.

In this article, we will show exactly how to fold 29 of the best paper airplane designs out there.

What Makes a Paper Airplane Fly?

Understanding the Principles Behind Paper Aircraft Flight

Delving into the science that underpins the flight of paper airplanes can elevate your enjoyment of crafting and piloting these paper marvels. Numerous factors contribute to the performance of a paper airplane:

Aerodynamics: The shape and dimensions of the wings, alongside the overall design, wield substantial influence. This interplay dictates the lift generated by the wings, as well as the combined effects of drag and gravity, ultimately dictating the flight trajectory.

Balance: Attaining an equilibrium in the center of gravity is pivotal for flight stability. Any deviation, be it a nose-heavy or tail-heavy configuration, can hinder a straight and steady flight path.

Airflow Dynamics: The manner in which air flows both over and beneath the wings exerts a profound impact on lift generation. Wings with smoother, streamlined profiles typically yield superior flight performance.

Launch Technique: The force applied and the angle at which you release the paper airplane into the air significantly shape its flight trajectory. Experimenting with various launch techniques can refine and optimize flight performance.

The 2023 Record for Paper Airplane Flight

Turning to the present year of 2023, the distinction for the greatest distance traveled by a paper airplane rests in the capable hands of John Collins, a distinguished aerospace engineer. This extraordinary feat was accomplished back in February 2012 when Collins’s paper creation, affectionately named “Suzanne,” embarked on an astonishing journey, covering an impressive distance of 69.14 meters (equivalent to 226 feet and 10 inches). Collins’s remarkable achievement not only epitomizes the sheer delight found in crafting and guiding paper airplanes through the air but also underscores the immense distances these meticulously designed marvels can traverse when launched with precision.

In Conclusion

Crafting a paper airplane is a straightforward and enjoyable undertaking, devoid of the necessity for video tutorials. Armed with the requisite folding techniques and meticulous attention to detail, you can give life to your aerial masterpiece. An appreciation for the underlying science of paper airplane flight will undoubtedly deepen your enjoyment of this enduring pastime. So, seize a sheet of paper, initiate the art of folding, and release your imagination as your paper creation embarks on its airborne journey. Who knows? You may very well find yourself in the annals of history, having shattered the world record someday!

So, let’s start, shall we?

Challenge your folding skills with an intricate origami-inspired design that’s both art and aircraft.

Air rider is a decorative type of paper airplane. Although it is easy to fold, it requires attention to get the design right.

Folding instructions of Air Rider paper airplane

Time : 5 min

Supply : Paper A4 if you have

Tool : Clean flat surface, Sizers (optinal)

fold the corner to the side

cut the spare paper

fold the top corner down leaving about an inch or 2.5cm from the bottom

fold one of the conners up half of the height of your previous fold

fold the paper in half

fold the wing in an angle as shown

fold the left edge down on itself

fold the other wing in an angle as shown

very nice decorative bird like plane

enjoy flying this plane 🙂

The foundation of all paper airplanes , this design is perfect for beginners. It’s easy to fold and flies straight.

Folding instructions of The O.G paper airplane

fold the corner into the center of the page

fold the other corner into the center of the page

fold the triangle again to the center

fold the other triangle again to the center

fold the wing (triangle) in the other diraction intil it alines with the bottom

fold the other wing (triangle) in the other diraction intil it alines with the bottom

very fast airplane for long distances

If you seek smooth, long-distance flights, this design will glide gracefully through the air.

Folding instructions of Arrow Piercing paper airplane

now fold the paper in half

fold the egde again aligning it with the middle fold line

fold the other egde again aligning it with the middle fold line

fold the wing about 1 cm or 1/2″

fold the other wing about 1 cm or 1/2″

fold the adge of the wing up

fold the adge of other the wing up

fast and long distands airplane

Air jumper paper airplane might be a bit tricky as it is not very easy nor does it require expert skills. You can redo some steps until you’re able create the design.

There you have it, get it to fly straight is a bit difficult use glue to keep it closed for better steer!

Folding instructions of Air Jumper paper airplane

fold the botton corner to the opposite upper conrner

fold the fold about 1 cm or 1/2″ upwards

fold the wing with a slight angle

fold the other wing with a slight angle

fold the wing parallel to the middle fold

fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold

there you have it, get it to fly straight is a bit difficult use glue to keep it closed for better steer!

Bongo-Longo is an easy to create paper airplane. The step-by-step instructions below are easily understandable. Also, you can fly this paper airplane for a distance.

Folding instructions of Bongo-Longo paper airplane

fold the half in half again

open the paper

fold the top to the middle

fold the top corners top the lines that were created by the fold

fold the triengles that were created inwards and fold the paper down

fold the sides to the middle

fold the wing from the centerfold

fold the other wing from the centerfold

slowly gliding in circles

For the newbies, cripper paper airplane might need some skills to get it right. Therefore, you may need to recreate the design for a few times to grasp the instructions and build Cripper.

Folding instructions of Cripper paper airplane

start with a squar page

fold the paper to a triangle

fold the bottom of the trianlgle up about 1″ or 2.5cm

fold the wing like the picture

fold the other side the same

now fold the wing parallel to the middle fold

now fold the other wing parallel to the middle fold

difficult plane to fold and to fly not for noobs!

This is a hard to create paper airplane. However, it can fly through the air for a distance.

which can make up for the time we delayed in its construction.

Folding instructions of Float Master paper airplane

place a paper

fold the left corner to the right edge

fold the right corner to the left edge

fold the triangles in as shown

fold the loose right side up towards the top edge

do the same for the right side

move the fold to the left and fold the right side to the middle fold

same for the other side

fold the airplane in half

fold the wing a little bit tilted from the center fold

fold the other wing bit tilted from the center fold

now fold the triangle that was left a little bit tilted from the center fold as shown

do the same to the other side

depends on how you tilt the folds, it will fly differently

You need to make about seventeen folds to create Flybird paper airplane. It is hard to create this design and redoing some steps or the whole process can help you improve your skills.

Folding instructions of Flybird paper airplane

fold the paper in half and open it

fold top right corner to the left side the bottom that was created is used to mark as the line to fold to in the next step, open the paper

fold the paper to the mark in the previous step

open the paper and fold it to the fold line that was created

fold it again

fold the right side as shown

do the same to the left side

now fold the edges again to the center fold

fold the tip to the place where the folds from the previos step meet

fold a wing with a slight angle as shown

do the same to the other wing

make another fold to the wing

try playing with the folds of the wings for better results

This decorative type paper airplane can be hard to create. While it takes about nineteen folds to create it, it can fly in the air for a distance.

Folding instructions of Flying Angel paper airplane

fold the top of the paper randomly toward the middle of he paper

fold the left corner paraller to the center fold as shown

flip the paper and do the same to the other side

open the fold and fold the right sidde to the fold line that was created

fold it againg to the center fold

fold the top to the bottom

fold it again up close and parallel to the middle horizontal fold

fold the right “leftover” down on top of the fold as shown

fold the left “leftover” down on top of the fold as shown

fold a wing parallel to the center fold

fold the other wing parallel to the center fold

fold the edge of he wing parallel to the wing

fold the other edge of he wing parallel to the wing

try to make it symmetrical as possible for better performance

Little One is a hard to make paper airplane. Thus, it may require some practice to get it right. Nonetheless, you can fly it for long distance in the air.

Folding instructions of Little One paper airplane

fold the triangle to the bottom

fold the triangle again upwards about 1 cm or 1/2″ from the top

fold the triangle again downwards to the bottom of the previos fold

fold the wing paralel to the middle fold

good for long distances

one more step and you there

Although it only takes about nine folds to create NARO, it is a hard to make paper airplane. It can fly high in the air for a distance.

Folding instructions of NARO paper airplane

fold the paper in half and open it up (to find the middle)

fold the paper to the middle

fold it again to the bottom of the fold

fold the paper in half away from you

fold a wing

fold the other wing

open the folded wings (to the end of step 5) and cut that shape as shown

fold the wings again and there you have it

It is an acrobatic paper airplane that requires about thirteen folds to create it. You may need some extra minutes to create a perfect design since it is a medium difficulty level paper airplane.

Folding instructions of Never Leave Me paper airplane

fold the paper 90 degrees in half

fold the top corners to the middle fold

fold the paper in half again

now again fold the top corner to the bottom

do the same for the other corner

fold the wing parallel to the center fold

fold the edge of the wing

fold the other edge of the wing

maneuver airplane

NOBACA is a hard to create paper airplane. Therefore, you may need to exercise patience and maybe recreate the designs for a few times to get it right.

Folding instructions of NOBACA paper airplane

fold the corner to the bottom

cut the spare paper (save it)

fold the paper to the other direction

fold the triangles that were created inwards

fold the botton corner to the top corner

repeat for the other corner

fold the part you cut from earlier in half

fold the top corner of the part to the middle fold

fold the other top corner of the part to the middle fold

put the part inside the folded paper until the edge

fold the edge to the middle fold as shown

repeat for the other edge

fold the top down of the lines that were created

find the right grip for you try to leave it as open as you can when throwing it!

It is a medium difficulty level paper airplane. Besides, it can fly for a distance through the air. Thus, enjoy flying it on an open space.

Folding instructions of NONO paper airplane

cut the edge in an arch shape

open the paper and fold the top corners to the middle fold line

fold the triangles that were created down

fold the top corners in 45 degrees to meat the lines of the folded triangle

fold the top part about 1.5 cm or 1/2″

fold the wings parallel to the center fold

it flies in a circular motion

Open Last is an acrobatic type of paper airplane that needs expert skills to create it. Hence, more guidance, practice, and patience are needed to perfect this design.

Folding instructions of Open Last paper airplane

fold the upper corner to the bottom of the middle fold

fold the other upper corner to the bottom of the middle fold

open the page the fold the triangles that created together to the bottom center of the fold and create a “tail”

fold the tail that was created to a shape of a diamond

fold the wing upwards

fold the other wing upwards

fold the wing again to the back

fold the other wing again to the back

very fast airplane, the folds are a bit tricky try folding step 10 not all the way down and see if you get better results

This acrobatic type of paper airplane requires medium difficulty level. Therefore, with eleven folds, you can recreate for a few times to achieve the design.

Folding instructions of Playing in Clouds paper airplane

fold the edge of the wing up

fold the edge of other the wing up

try playing with the place you fold the wings and the edge of the wings for better results

Although Shadow Drop paper airplane requires medium difficulty level, you can follow the instructions and nail it even for the first time. Besides, it is a great design to try.

Folding instructions of Shadow Drop paper airplane

open the paper and fold the top top the centerfold as shown

fold the edges to the fold line

fold the edges again down to the fold line

fold the top to the fold line as shown

fold the wing

fold the front of the wings a little down for better glide

Although Skyhunter belongs to medium difficulty level category, you can get its folds by observation. Also, Skyhunter can fly for a distance through the air.

Folding instructions of Skyhunter paper airplane

open the page

fold about quarter of the page

fold that quarter in half

fold that half in another half

fold the wing in a slight angle towards the front

fold the other wing in a slight angle towards the front

long distance flight

This is an expert difficulty level paper airplane that requires skills to fold it right. Thus, it may take time to get the folds and create the perfect paper airplane.

Folding instructions of Tales of Wind and Love paper airplane

fold the paper about the upper third down as shown

fold the paper in half to the side

fold the top left corner down to the right side

open the paper and fold the corners inside as shown

fold the middle right corner inside the fold to the left edge

do the same for the left middle corner

flip the paper and fold it down to the bottom

using a ruler fold the edges as shown

fold the tip up as shown

fold the wings

fold the edges of the wings

glides nicely

The Crazy Plane is an acrobatic type of paper airplane. It takes about twelve folds to achieve the design. Some folds may require attention and recreating them for a few times to get them right.

Folding instructions of The Crazy Plane paper airplane

flip the paper and fold the top right to about quarter of the bottom as shown

do the same to the other corner

fold the two triangles that were created up and fold the paper down

fold the sides to the center fold

fold everything up as shown

fold the corners in as shown

now fold the wings as shown

It is a decorative type of paper airplane. However, it is a hard design that may take time and skills to get it right.

Folding instructions of The Last Son of Sky paper airplane

fold the wing to meat the edge in a straight line as shown

now fold the wing again to the other direction parallel to the center fold line

open the fold and fold the top edge down

fold the top edge up again as shown

super cool looking airplane unfortunately doesn’t fly well

Creating the Rainmaker paper airplane can be hard. With twenty folds, you can create a paper airplane that can fly for distance through the air.

Folding instructions of The Rainmaker paper airplane

fold the top right corner to the center fold

fold the top left corner to the centerfold

fold the upper left line of the tiengle to the right side as shown

do the same to the right side

flip the paper

fold the triangle that was created as shown

fold an accordion fold as shown

fold the two corners inside as shown

fold the wing as shown

do the same for the other edge

try folding the wings larger for different gliding results

You can create this great design with ten folds. Although you may recreate it for a few times or redo some steps, it is an exciting paper airplane to try.

Folding instructions of The Rising paper airplane

fold the triangles where they meet down in a stright line

fold the triangle to the middle fold line

fold the other triangle to the middle fold line

fold the tip on to the second triangles

fold the plane in half and fold the wing in a stright line

fold the other wing in a stright line

try throughing it up side down!

The Wind Crusher is a hard acrobatic paper airplane. For this, it may take you some time to learn it for a perfect design.

Folding instructions of The Wind Crusher paper airplane

fold the tringles in as shown

fold the loose right side up torwards the top edge

same for the right side

fold that to the middle fold as shown

open the left sidwe and fold it in as shown

fold the tringles down as shown

move the left tringle and fold the left side to the center

do the same to the tight side

fold the tringles you moved on the sides

fold the top down as shown

This is an expert difficulty level paper airplane that requires skills to nail it. Even so, you can dedicate a few minutes a day to learn its eighteen folds.

Folding instructions of Ultimatu paper airplane

fold top right corner to the left side and open the paper

fold top left corner to the right side and open the paper

fold an accordion fold inward like shown

fold the right side up to the top as shown

fold the left side up to the top as shown

the the right fold again parallel to the center fold

the the left fold again parallel to the center fold

fold the top of the triangle on top the previous folds as shown

insert the right fold into the “pocket” of the upper fold

insert the left fold into the “pocket” of the upper fold

fold the left side in an imaginary line that stretches from the top left corner to the bottom left corner as shown

fold the tip of the left fold that was created parallel to the left side

fold the tip of the right fold that was created parallel to the right side

fold the middle of the tale inwards and done!

This is an easy to fold type of paper airplane. With only eight folds, you can create Vertical Drop with the first attempt.

Folding instructions of Vertical Drop paper airplane

fold the plane in half

fold the wing in a stright line

This is an expert difficulty level acrobatic paper airplane. Therefore, it may require practice and a lot of learning to get the perfect design.

Folding instructions of When Love Fails paper airplane

fold the paper down not until the end

move the right side of the triangle and fold the right side parallel to the center fold as shown

do the same for the left side

flip the paper and fold it down as shown

fold the top up as shown

tell up in what direction it flies for you!

White Cloud is an acrobatic paper airplane that takes five minutes to create. However, it may require attention to get it right if you’re a newbie.

Folding instructions of White Cloud paper airplane

open the paper fold it down in the middle of the X shape that was created

open the paper and fold the triangles in as shown

fold the loose right side down towards the middle fold

flip the paper and fold the top egde down to the bottom

flip the paper again and fold the top egde up as shown

fold the parallel to the center fold

Although this is a medium difficulty level paper airplane, you can create it with just one attempt. Also, it can fly through the air for a distance.

Folding instructions of White Feather paper airplane

open the second fold and fold the top corner to the middle fold as shown

fold the other top corners to the middle fold

now again fold the top corner to the middle fold

fold the top of the paper down as shown

you can fold the wing edges up or down for different performance!

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How To Make Paper Airplanes (Free Printable + Videos)

Soar into a world of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning!

Teaching kids how to make paper airplanes isn’t just a fun activity. It’s also an opportunity to build fine motor and critical thinking skills. Plus, it introduces them to the basic concepts of aerodynamics, such as lift, drag, and thrust.

Ready to get started? Follow our simple step-by-step directions for making three different paper airplanes. You’ll learn how to fold a dart plane, a glider plane, and a stunt plane. There’s even a free printable with instructions so kids can follow along as they soar into a world of creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on learning!

@weareteachers_ We’re sharing how to make paper airplanes on WeAreTeachers.com. Get printable directions for three different paper airplanes! #paperairplane #diy #funforkids ♬ Cute and heartwarming song B: Editing 2 – Ken Nakagawa

Step 1: Fold the paper in half lengthwise.

Step 2: Unfold. Then fold both top corners into the center crease.

Step 3: Fold both top edges into the center crease.

Step 4: Fold the paper in half lengthwise along the existing crease.

Step 5: Fold both edges down to meet the bottom fold.

You finished the dart plane!

Glider Plane

@weareteachers_ Make a glider paper airplane! #paperairplane #diy #funforkids ♬ A 3-minute song that is ideal for the BGM of cooking videos(1031572) – mi-ya

Step 3: Fold the paper in half lengthwise along the existing crease.

Step 4: Fold both edges down to meet the bottom fold.

Step 5: Fold the bottom of both wings up to meet the top fold.

You finished the glider plane!

Stunt Plane

@weareteachers_ Make a stunt paper airplane! #paperairplane #diy #funforkids ♬ The song is bright and has a sense of speed from the second half. – Syatk

Step 3: Fold the top point down to touch the bottom of the folded edge.

You finished the stunt plane!

Paper Airplane Printable Directions

Ready to save and print your free paper airplane printable directions? Just click the orange button to fill out the form at the top of this page.

Yes, I Want My Paper Airplane Printable Directions!

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How to Fold Paper Planes (with free Printable Folding Plans)

By In The Playroom

October 23, 2015

I’m sure all of us have spent time folding and flying paper planes during our childhood, so today let’s take a look at some different paper airplane designs – complete with folding instructions and printable folding plans. 

Making the best paper airplanes is easy when you have the right guide! So let’s get started. We are going to learn how to fold paper planes.

Children will love this fun and classic activity, which is perfect all year round. In winter this is a great rainy day activity to keep kids busy indoors, and keep their hands occupied but in summer you can go outside to test paper planes long distance!

Kids will learn about engineering, science and forces as they experiment to find the best type, using different folds, wings, corners and edges. 

Why not have a paper plane making competition and involve the whole family. Simple activities like this can be enjoyed by families of all ages!

Four Ways to Fold the Best Paper Airplanes

Here are four fun ways to fold paper planes, inspired by the hit Australian movie Paper Planes  (click the link to read our full review.) 

Paper Planes Movie

This is a great family friendly movie, which the kids and I really enjoyed. Currently you can watch Paper Planes on Netflix or rent on Amazon Video

These four paper plane folding ideas will see you through the stages from the classic paper plane you probably learned to fold as a kid, up to some crazily unique designs like the round “defier”. This is where you get to the expert level models!

You can see all of these paper plane designs at different points of the movie, along with some other really impressive ones too.

Paper planes are one of the most popular forms of origami, and are a childhood staple – introduce your kids to these new designs, and I’m sure they’ll be impressed!

Step by Step How to fold paper planes

Paper Airplanes Materials

To make these paper planes all you need is some paper. Printer paper works really well and you will need one piece of paper per airplane.

A ruler is also handy, and if you like you could decorate the paper planes with felt tips, or markers to add some colour and personality.

If you want to race the paper planes, then a stop watch and a measuring tape can both be useful tools add to the fun and the sense of competition.

The Classic Dart (How to make a classic easy paper airplane)

• Fold and unfold the creases as shown in the printable instructions. Fold straight down the middle of the paper, and then fold in the two corners from the top
• Fold and unfold the next creases as shown, again from the top edges but at a sharper angle this time.
• Fold the paper plane in half horizontally
• Fold downwards to form a wing
• Repeat on both sides
• Your paper plane is finished!

The Raptor – How to fold a more advanced paper plane

• Fold the creases as shown on the instructions printable, straight down the centre and then at angles to create the cross pattern. Then, flip over the paper
• Fold a crease down, around 1/3 of the way down the page. Unfold and then flip back.
• Pop the paper by touching the middle of the intersecting creases.
• Fold back down
• And fold in half as shown
• Fold the wings down to line up with the centre
• The last fold is back from the nose, as shown on the example.
• Held tight in a vise, the paper should hold together firmly in this shape.

Click here to download the Raptor instructions to print in PDF form

The Manta Ray – How to make a unique paper airplane, that looks like a Manta Ray

• Fold in half, diagonally along the centre of the paper from top to bottom
• Fold down the paper in three tiny folds
• Use the edge of a desk or the leg of a table to roll the curve into the wing profile.
• The paper airplane is ready to fly!

Click here to download and print the Manta Ray instructions in PDF format

The Defier – A paper plane inspired by the Bernoulli principle

• Fold the paper diagonally, folding the top corner over the bottom corner. This doesn’t need to be accurate, a little unevenness may help later!
• Roll the paper against the desk in a shoeshine motion to create a little curve
• From your slight inaccuracy at the start, one edge will be a little narrower than the other
• Slide the narrow end into the wider end as far as you can or until it forms a snug fit
• Squash it into an oval shape.
• Throw this paper plane by clicking your wrist down and letting it fly off your fingers.

We hope you enjoyed these different styles of paper planes to make with kids. Have a go, improvise and design a paper airplane that is perfect for you. Test out the aerodynamic activity of each one! Which one flies the longest, and the furthest?

More Printable Activities for Kids

Here on In The Playroom, we have tonnes of free and fun printable activities for kids of all ages. From colouring pages, to activity sheets, or hands on printable crafts and games.

If you want something to keep your kids entertained, we have shared so many so please stay and browse around!

Or if your kiddo loves aeroplanes, try our simple craft to make a paper plate plane in the clouds.

For more printables, make sure to follow our Printables board on Pinterest

Go ahead and share this how to make paper airplanes instructions blog post with friends and family. Why not challenge them to a best paper airplane contest, and make it a family activity for everyone to get involved!

Why not pin these paper plane making ideas to your Pinterest Board for later.

Enjoy! Happy flying!

In The Playroom

Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables. Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

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Disney cars gear up mcqueen review, 7 thoughts on “how to fold paper planes (with free printable folding plans)”.

Excellent. I work with kids, but I will also use these with my own ones. Thank you. 🙂

We are a homeschooling family learning about lift, thrust and drag and are having a family paper airplane flying challenge that we will post to youtube.com. May we use the link to this post? This is a great resource for parents who don’t know where to start in teaching their kiddos how to make paper airplanes. (Like me! lol!)

Hi! Yes of course, please feel free to use it. Glad you found it useful 🙂

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A step-by-step guide to making a paper airplane. How does the craft fly through the air?

The history of the first paper airplane is largely debated. According to the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, N.Y.,  some believe the earliest paper airplanes came from China with the use of papyrus paper to make kites.

Others attribute some of the earliest designs to Leonardo da Vinci  with his early writings about a parchment flying machine. Some say the modern day paper airplane was a result of the Wright Brothers taking flight in 1903. 

Paper airplanes are a fun and simple kids crafts anyone can make, but how does one build a paper airplane?

252 feet and 7 inches: Epic paper airplane throw in Asia shatters Guinness World Record

How to build a paper airplane

Building a paper airplane can be done in five easy steps.

1. Fold a piece of paper in half vertically.

2. Unfold the piece of paper and fold the top corners in.

3. Fold the top two corners you've already folded in one more time.

4. Fold the piece of paper back in half on the original fold you did in step one. 

5. Create wings by folding down even triangles from the back of the plane.

How do paper airplanes fly?

According to Scholastic, the main force that helps a paper airplane fly is air . Air helps carry the plane through its brief flight.

Unlike with passenger plane, paper airplanes are not propelled forward by engines but rather by their initial toss. Paper airplanes fly due to four main forces: drag, gravity, thrust and lift.

Drag and gravity work together to ground the plane while also slowing it down. Drag is the resistance as the plane flies through the air, while gravity is what slowly brings your plane to the ground. 

Thrust and lift work together to move your plane forward. Thrust is the actual forward movement of the plane. Since paper airplanes, typically, do not have engines, the thrust comes from the initial throw. Lift comes from the air below the plane pushing it up.

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How to Make a Paper Airplane in 10 Quick Steps!

Introduction: How to Make a Paper Airplane in 10 Quick Steps!

Paper Airplanes can be a great way to waste some time, or even procrastinate from doing productive things. There are countless ways to design paper airplanes, and this Instructable gives a break down on how to make one of the most simple, yet effective paper airplanes in just minutes!

It is critical to build your paper airplane symmetrically to increase efficiency while flying . Along with this, it is also imperative to make flawless creases, to ensure your airplane is one of the best!

Step 1: First, Fold a Regular 8 1/2" X 11" Piece of Paper in Half "hotdog Style".

It is a good idea to fold the paper one way, re-open it, and fold it the opposite way to make sure the paper has a good, solid crease down the middle.

Step 2: Next, Fold the Cockpit of the Plane As Shown Below.

Take the top right and left corners, and fold them down to the middle. In order to make an effective crease, go over the fold several times applying a good amount of pressure.

Step 3: After the Cockpit Has Been Formed, Pull the Point of the Cockpit Down to the Bottom of the Paper, Leaving a Gap of About 1.5 Centimeters at the End of the Paper.

There should be a gap, about the width of your pinky, between your point of the cockpit and the bottom of the paper.

Step 4: Next, Flip the Paper Over and Fold Down the Top of the Paper About .75 Centimeters Across the Width of the Paper.

This fold should be about half the width of your pinky, and the fold should be consistent across the full width of the paper.

Step 5: Next, Flip the Paper Back Over to the Front, and Create More Cockpit Folds (similar to Step 2) As Shown Below.

This time while folding the cockpit, make sure there is a little triangle exposed at the base of your cockpit (as shown above)

Step 6: Next, Take the Small Exposed Triangle, and Fold It Over the Base of Your Cockpit As Shown Below.

This small triangle acts as a reinforcement to the airplane's folds allowing for the plane to be more durable during flight.

Step 7: Next, With the Last Fold Facing You, Fold the Airplane Away From You Creating Something That Looks Similar to the Picture Below.

Go over all the folds until the airplane can hold this shape on its own.

Step 8: Next, Fold Down One of the Wings a Few Inches Past the Body of the Plane, Making a Fold That Is Straight All the Way Across.

Repeat this process with the opposite wing of the plane. The distance you exceed the body is really up to you, but you will want to make sure the wings are folded symmetrically.

Step 9: Once Again, Go Over All Your Previous Folds Until Your Plane Can Hold a Shape Consistent With the Photo Below.

The key to creating a quality paper airplane is ensuring each and every fold is crisp. Crisp folds help the paper airplane keep its shape, and fly more effectively.

Step 10: Finally, Take Each Tip of the Wing and Fold It Back Up About an Inch to Create Flaps.

These flaps should be folded the opposite direction as the last fold creating a 90 degree angle with the wing. After folded, your final product should look like the image above.

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How to Make a Paper Airplane

Learn the simple steps for high-flying fun with this tutorial on five basic paper airplane patterns.

Related To:

Test your paper folding technique with these paper airplane examples. Whether you are looking for a quick diversion from the grind of adulthood or are teaching a youngster DIY skills, these planes are a great way to add a little levity to your day. The examples below are all beginner or intermediate level. The materials are cheap and only require paper, a pair of scissors, a ruler, and some double stick tape (optional) to complete.

Paper Airplane DIY

Create fun and simple paper airplanes

Photo by: Sam Henderson

Sam Henderson

For best results use a flat, thin-edged ruler. Make good creases along each edge. Adding double stick tape to the inside of the body keeps the wings from separating in flight.

The most basic version. A simple standard that everyone should know how to make.

• Fold the paper in half vertically.
• Unfold the paper and fold each of the top corners into the center line.
• Fold the top edges into the center line.
• Fold the plane in half toward you.
• Fold the wings down, matching the top edges up with the bottom edge of the body.
• Add double stick tape to the inside of the body. The finished plane should look like this.

This one is built for distance, plus it just looks cool.

• Fold the peak toward you and 3/4” from the bottom of the paper.
• Fold both top corners into the center line.
• Fold the remaining tip over the two flaps at the center line to lock them in place.
• Fold the plane in half away from you.
• Fold the wings down 1” from the bottom of the plane.
• Fold up the sides of each wing 1/2” tall.
• Cut two small slits at the back of each wing. Fold up the tabs.

Built correctly, this bee-like beauty stays in the air for a long time.

• Fold the paper in half horizontally.
• Fold the peak down to meet the edge of the previous fold.
• Fold the upper sides into the center line.
• Fold the top edge 1/2” away from you.
• Fold the plane in half towards you.
• Fold the wings down 1/2” from the bottom of the plane.

Count on speed and distance from this sleek plane.

• Unfold the paper and fold the top edge down 2”.
• Fold the top edge down again to meet the bottom of the previous fold.
• Fold the top edge down one more time to meet the bottom of the previous fold.
• Fold the top edges down and away from you to the center line on the back of the paper.
• Starting at the top of the thick nose of the plane, fold the wings down 1/2” in the front and slightly angled to 1 1/2” in the back. Fold up the edges of the wings 1/2”.

The Bullnose

This plane is deceptively fast and stays aloft for quite a distance.

• Fold the top right corner over to the left side, making a fold from the top of the paper to the bottom right corner.
• Unfold the paper and repeat for the left corner.
• Unfold the paper again and fold the top right corner over to meet the crease made from the first fold.
• Fold the left corner over to meet the crease from the second fold.
• Fold the top right edge over to meet the edge of the fold from step 3. Repeat for the other side.
• Fold the top edge down and towards you to meet the point where the right and left layers cross.
• Fold the plane in half away from you. Staring at the nose, fold the wings down at a slight angle, 1/2” in the front to about 2” in the back.

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You are just 6 steps away from folding a paper plane that really flies

1. Fold the paper in half and unfold

© Red Bull Paper Wings

2. Fold the top corners to the centre line

3. Fold the top sides to the centre line

4. Fold in half along the centre line

5. Fold the wings along the centre line

6. Give it a throw!

Be precise and make sharp folds.

© Filip Nagy / Red Bull Content Pool

Throwing a paper plane at Hangar-7 in Austria.

© Samo Vidic / Red Bull Content Pool

Insider hacks:

• If the nose rises then suddenly drops, you’ve got the equivalent of a stall. And nobody wants that. Try gently bending down the back part of the wings, but only slightly. Don’t crease them.
• If the nose drops into a dive right away, try bending the back part of the wings upward.

Find out more about Red Bull Paper Wings

Find out the secret to making a winning paper plane

The day when 176 paper plane experts met up to launch …, red bull paper wings: a simple concept with some ….

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How to Make a Paper Jet Airplane

Last Updated: April 18, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Natalie Kay Smith . Natalie Kay Smith is a sustainable fashion writer and the owner of Sustainably Chic, a sustainability-focused blog. Natalie has over 5 years of sustainable fashion and green living writing and has worked with over 400 conscious brands all over the world to show readers fashion can exist responsibly and sustainably. This article has been viewed 556,815 times.

A paper jet is a variation on the paper airplane. It looks a bit sleeker and more detailed than a traditional paper plane . You can fold several different kinds of paper jets with varying degrees of difficulty. To learn how to fold two fairly simple paper jets, grab some computer paper and get ready to begin.

Folding a Pointed Nose Jet

• You can even use shipping paper.
• Or recycled toilet paper. [2] X Research source
• Smooth out the crease after you’ve folded the paper to make it stronger, and make the folds easier to align.
• Unfold the paper after you crease it so the you now have a piece of paper with a vertical valley crease. [3] X Research source
• Run your fingers along the outer edges of the triangles to reinforce the folds with a crease.
• Make sure that your two smaller, folded triangles come to a point at the top, forming one larger triangle.
• Fold the triangle back over its flat bottom edge. The triangle should now be pointing downward.
• The paper will now be more in the shape of a square.
• Position the point to stay inline with the center crease, which is now in a mountain fold. [4] X Research source
• This will create two thicker triangles that meet along the middle crease.
• Underneath you should see your original folded triangles creased to form two downward facing triangles at the edges, and two triangles facing outward (both forming a diamond) in the center.
• The size of the folds should be small. You want to make them equilateral triangles with sides about half an inch long.
• If you fold it the wrong way, the triangles will be facing each other inside the fold.
• You should now begin to see the base of your jet airplane forming. The triangle folds forming the bottom, and the wing tips of your paper plane.
• If you hold your paper with the nose of the paper jet pointing down, the fold should resemble something of an ice cream cone.
• Before you crease your fold, make sure that it is not only aligned to the bottom edge of your plane, but that the tip in the back aligns with the one from your first wing. By making sure they are even you’ll get a consistent flight.
• Pinch the paper jet towards the front, near the nose.
• Your plane will have three parts, the base of your jet which is formed by the initial crease, and on either side, two flaps with two triangles pointing upwards followed by wings at the top. You can choose to hold the two flaps between your fingers when you throw your jet, or fan them out. You may find one method works better than the other.

Folding a Flat Nose Jet

• Align the edges of your paper and crease your center fold.
• Unfold the paper after you crease it so the you now have a piece of paper with a vertical valley crease.
• Your paper should now look a bit like a house. The two folded triangles should come down to about halfway on your paper.
• You should now have a top layer of paper that resembles an equilateral triangle pointing down. This triangle is overlaid on top of two equilateral triangles on either side pointing up.
• With these sides folded in, you should have a flat nose at the top of your paper that looks like a triangle pointing downward.
• You should see a trapezoid shape with two triangles pointing at about a forty-five-degree angle outward on either side of it.
• The part of the plane you just folded over should be showing at the nose of the plane, overlaid on top of your original crease.
• The wings don’t have to be folded even with the base of the plane. They should go slightly past.
• You can apply a small bit of tape to both the front and back of your plane to keep the wings closer together if you wish.
• Keep your plane level with the ground and flick your wrist to send it flying.

Community Q&A

• When throwing, tilt the nose or point slightly upward and throw it medium soft for smooth landing, medium hard for fast and far, and hard for tricks. Thanks Helpful 12 Not Helpful 1
• Recommended for outside use where there is open space. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 1
• Make sure the folds on the wings aren't folded down too much, as it will cause the plane to be unstable during flight. Thanks Helpful 8 Not Helpful 2

• Do not throw at eyes Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 6

Things You'll Need

• Regular piece of printer paper
• Flat surface

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-book-and-cupboard-fold.html
• ↑ https://www.notimeforflashcards.com/2014/04/recycled-art-project-for-kids-2.html
• ↑ http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-valley-and-mountain-folds.html
• ↑ http://www.origami-make.com/origami-fold-mountain.php
• ↑ http://www.foldnfly.com/3.html#The-Buzz
• ↑ http://www.paperairplanes.co.uk/nickplan.php#instructions

About This Article

To make a paper jet airplane, start by folding a piece of paper in half lengthwise and then unfolding it. Next, fold the top 2 corners in toward the middle crease. Then, flip the paper over and fold the triangle at the top down so the paper is square. After you do that, fold the top 2 corners in toward the middle crease and fold the 3 small triangles near the center crease up. Finally, fold the paper in half away from you and fold the sides down to make the wings. To learn how to make a flat nose jet, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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