Learn the simple steps on how to make a paper airplane. Test your paper-folding skills with these paper aeroplane 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 nice way to add a little levity to your day.
The examples below are all beginner or intermediate level. The materials are affordable and only need paper, a pair of scissors, a ruler, and some double-stick tape (optional) to complete.
The Dart
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 centre line.
- Fold the top edges into the centre 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.
The Steath
This one is built for distance, plus it just looks cool.
- Fold the paper in half vertically.
- Unfold the paper and fold each of the top corners into the centre line.
- Fold the peak toward you and 3/4” from the bottom of the paper.
- Fold both top corners into the centre line.
- Fold the remaining tip over the two flaps at the centre 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.
- Add double-stick tape to the inside of the body. The finished plane should look like this.
The Bumble
Built correctly, this bee-like beauty stays in the air for a long time.
- Fold the paper in half horizontally.
- Unfold the paper and fold each of the top corners into the centre line.
- Fold the peak down to meet the edge of the previous fold.
- Fold the upper sides into the centre 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.
- Add double-stick tape to the inside of the body. The finished plane should look like this.
The Hunter
Count on speed and distance from this sleek plane.
- Fold the paper in half vertically.
- 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 centre line on the back of the paper.
- Fold the plane in half towards you.
- 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”.
- Add double-stick tape to the inside of the body. The finished plane should look like this.
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.
- Add double-stick tape to the inside of the body. The finished plane should look like this.