How to make an easy paper airplane, step by step
One sheet of paper, small hands and a little patience: that's all you need. This is the airplane we use in all our cut-outs. It has a lock that keeps it folded, so it doesn't open in the air and glides beautifully. Here's how to fold it, with a drawing for every step.
I made it with my little dinosaur paws, so you can too! The most important thing: press every fold flat with your fingernail.
What you need
- Regular printer paper (A4 or Letter), not cardstock.
- A flat table for folding.
- Optional: crayons, if you want to decorate it first.
Step by step
1Mark the center
Fold the sheet in half lengthwise and open it again. That line is your guide.
2Corners to the center
Bring the two top corners to the center line. You get a roof.
3Fold the tip down
Fold the big tip down until the roof looks like an envelope.
4Center again
Bring the two top corners to the center line again. A little point peeks out underneath.
5The lock
Fold that little point up over the corners. That's the trick that stops the plane from opening.
6In half
Fold the plane in half, with the little point on the outside.
7The wings
Fold each wing down, one on each side, leaving a belly one finger wide.
8Done!
Open the wings flat, straight like a table. Ready for takeoff!
How to throw it farther
- Hold it by the belly, near the nose.
- Throw it straight and gently, slightly upward. Paper planes fly better slow than hard.
- Never toward anyone's face. Best in a hallway, a clear living room or the park, without wind.
If it doesn't fly well
- Nosedives: bend the back edge of both wings up a tiny bit.
- Shoots up and stalls: bend those edges down a little.
- Turns to one side: check both wings match. If they do, bend up the back edge of the wing on the opposite side a tiny bit.
- Opens in the air: redo step 5 and press the lock firmly.
3 paper airplane games
Who flies farthest?
Mark a start line with painter's tape and write down every record.
Landing strip
Put a towel on the floor a few steps away. Who can land on it?
Through the hoop
Hold up a hoop (or a belt in a circle) and try to fly the plane through it.
Frequently asked questions
From what age can they make it?
From 4 with help, and from 6–7 almost on their own. Folding along lines is great fine-motor practice.
How long does it take?
About 10 minutes the first time, and 3 minutes once they know it.
Which paper airplane flies farthest?
A symmetric one with firmly pressed folds that doesn't open. That's why ours has the lock in step 5.
Can I use colored paper?
Yes, as long as it's thin. Cardstock is too heavy.