What this calculator does
Wing loading calculator: wing loading is simply an aircraft's total weight divided by its wing area, a standard measure used across full-size aviation and radio-controlled model design alike. It answers a specific question: how much weight is each unit of wing surface having to support in flight.
A low wing loading means a large wing relative to weight, which generally gives gentler handling, a lower stall speed and better performance at slow speeds, at the cost of more drag and a lower top speed. A high wing loading means a smaller wing carrying more weight per square metre, favouring higher speeds and a smoother ride in turbulence, but demanding a faster approach and landing speed. Neither figure is good or bad on its own; it is a design trade-off matched to the aircraft's intended role.
The formula
Divide total weight by wing area. This calculator reports the result in kilograms per square metre and the imperial equivalent, pounds per square foot, side by side, since aviation sources quote wing loading in both systems depending on the country and the type of aircraft.
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Wing loading | Total weight divided by wing area: how much weight each unit of wing surface supports. |
| Wing area | The total projected (planform) area of both wings combined, usually including the wing area that passes through the fuselage. |
| Total weight | The full weight the wings must support in flight, typically the aircraft's maximum take-off weight for a meaningful comparison. |
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Total weight (kg) | The total weight the wing must support, usually the aircraft or model's maximum take-off weight. |
| Wing area (m²) | The total wing area, both wings combined, in square metres. |
When to use it
Comparing two aircraft or model designs
Wing loading puts aircraft of very different sizes on the same footing: a heavier aircraft with a proportionally larger wing can carry the same wing loading, and therefore similar handling characteristics, as a much lighter one.
Estimating stall speed behaviour
A higher wing loading generally means a higher stall speed and a faster required landing approach, which is why trainer aircraft and beginner RC models are deliberately designed with low wing loading for forgiving, low-speed handling.
Sizing a wing for a model aircraft build
Given a target weight for a scratch-built or kit model, working out the wing area needed to hit a chosen wing loading is a common first step in matching the design to its intended flying style.
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How does wing loading change with weight at a fixed wing area?
A fixed 16 square metre wing area, carrying a range of total weights.
| Total weight | Wing loading (kg/m²) | Wing loading (lb/ft²) |
|---|---|---|
| 400 kg | 25.00 kg/m² | 5.12 lb/ft² |
| 800 kg | 50.00 kg/m² | 10.24 lb/ft² |
| 1,200 kg | 75.00 kg/m² | 15.36 lb/ft² |
| 1,600 kg | 100.00 kg/m² | 20.48 lb/ft² |
| 2,000 kg | 125.00 kg/m² | 25.60 lb/ft² |
| 2,400 kg | 150.00 kg/m² | 30.72 lb/ft² |
How does wing loading change with wing area at a fixed weight?
A fixed 1,200 kg aircraft weight, spread across a range of wing areas.
| Wing area | Wing loading (kg/m²) | Wing loading (lb/ft²) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 m² | 150.00 kg/m² | 30.72 lb/ft² |
| 12 m² | 100.00 kg/m² | 20.48 lb/ft² |
| 16 m² | 75.00 kg/m² | 15.36 lb/ft² |
| 20 m² | 60.00 kg/m² | 12.29 lb/ft² |
| 24 m² | 50.00 kg/m² | 10.24 lb/ft² |
| 30 m² | 40.00 kg/m² | 8.19 lb/ft² |
Questions
What is a typical wing loading for a light aircraft?
Light general-aviation aircraft commonly sit somewhere in the range of roughly 50 to 100 kg/m² (about 10 to 20 lb/ft²), though gliders run much lower and fast jets run much higher; the right figure depends entirely on the aircraft's intended speed range and mission.
Does wing loading include fuel and payload?
It should reflect whatever weight the wing is actually supporting at the moment being analysed. Using maximum take-off weight gives the highest, most demanding wing loading the aircraft will see; using empty weight gives the lowest, least demanding figure.
How does wing loading relate to stall speed?
Stall speed rises with the square root of wing loading, all else being equal, since lift must still equal weight and lift depends on speed squared. Doubling wing loading raises stall speed by a factor of about 1.4, not by a factor of two.
Why do gliders have such low wing loading?
Gliders are optimised to stay airborne as long as possible on no engine power, which favours a large wing area relative to weight: low wing loading reduces the sink rate and allows flight at lower airspeeds, both central to a glider's purpose.
To work out lift force or lift coefficient using the same wing area, see the lift coefficient calculator.