Buzz
Paper airplanes are a fun, handmade toy that you can easily make with just a piece of paper. There are many designs to try out, and you can see how far they can fly. More intricate designs might help the airplane stay in the air longer and travel farther. Grab a piece of paper and fold one now!
Steps
Fold a Classic Paper Airplane
Fold a standard letter-sized sheet of paper vertically in half. Take a 22x28 cm sheet of paper and place it flat on the surface. Fold the paper vertically to create a long rectangle shape. Press along the crease with your fingernail, then unfold the paper.
- You can use craft paper instead of printer paper if you'd like to fold a colorful airplane.
Fold the top corners of the paper to meet the center crease. After unfolding the paper, fold one of the top corners towards the previous crease to form a triangle shape. Use your fingernail to press and secure the fold. Repeat this on the other side so that the top of the paper forms a pointed tip.
- Remember that the sharp corners should be facing you when folding the paper airplane; otherwise, you might fold the wrong corners.
Fold the top diagonal edges towards the center crease again. Take one top corner and fold it towards the center crease to create a narrow triangle shape. Press the fold with your fingernail to hold it. Repeat this on the other side so that the paper looks like a larger triangle.
Tip: If the folds are not sharp enough when pressed with your fingernail, try using a ruler or credit card to sharpen the creases.
Fold the paper along the center crease. Use the first fold to guide the next fold. Fold the airplane in half along the center crease so that the triangles you made earlier are tucked inside. Use your fingernail to press the crease to secure it.
- This fold forms the airplane’s tail, making it easier to hold and launch when finished.
Fold the diagonal edges into the center crease to form the airplane wings. Fold both diagonal edges of the paper towards the center crease. Use your fingernail to press each fold. Flip the airplane over and fold the other wing. Once both folds are pressed, slightly open the wings to create a flat back for the airplane.
- Make sure the wings are symmetrical so that the airplane remains balanced when you launch it into the air.
Folding a Modified Paper Airplane
Fold a 22x28 cm sheet of paper in half vertically. You can use either printer paper or craft paper to fold your airplane. Place the paper flat and fold it vertically to create a long rectangle. Press along the crease with your fingernail, then unfold the paper.
- Try using different types of paper to add patterns and see how they affect the flight of your airplane.
Fold the top corners towards the center crease. Fold one top corner of the paper into a triangle so that the top edge lines up with the center crease. Press it down with your fingernail to keep the fold. Fold the other corner similarly, ensuring the top of the paper forms a sharp point.
- Remember, the sharp corners should face you when folding; otherwise, the folds won’t line up correctly.
Fold the sharp top down so that about 1.5 cm of the bottom of the paper remains visible. Fold the sharp point down to hide the triangles you just made. Fold it until the sharp tip is about 1.5 cm from the bottom edge of the paper. Press the fold to secure it. Your paper now resembles an envelope.
- Don’t let the sharp tip touch the bottom edge of the paper, as it will alter the airplane's structure after the final fold.
Fold the top corners towards the center crease again. Fold the newly formed corner so it aligns with the center crease. Repeat this with the other corner to create two triangles.
- If you prefer a flat nose for your airplane, fold the front part so that only the corners touch the center crease of the paper.
Secure the folds by bringing the pointed tip up. Fold the pointed tip closest to the bottom edge of the paper upward to cover the two diagonal corners. Make sure this fold keeps the two triangles in place.
- Your paper will resemble a large triangle on top and a narrow rectangle at the bottom once folded.
Fold the paper in half along the center crease. Fold the airplane in half in the opposite direction of the original crease. The previous folds will be turned outward so that the triangles are still visible. Press along the crease to flatten it.
- Do not hide the previous folds inside; doing so will affect the airplane's structure.
Fold the wings down to align with the bottom edge. Fold the diagonal edges of the airplane towards the fold you just created. Flip the airplane over and repeat the fold on the other side to create the second wing. Open both wings to create a flat back for the airplane so it flies smoothly.
- Ensure that both wings are the same size to prevent the airplane from tilting to one side during flight.
Tips
- Try launching the airplane outdoors to let the wind carry it farther.
- Search online for different paper airplane designs to experiment with other styles.
- Use tape or glue to secure the folds if the airplane isn’t holding its shape properly.
Warning
- Do not launch paper airplanes in school, as it could get you into trouble.
- Avoid flying airplanes towards people or animals, as the nose of the airplane could be very sharp.
