How to Make a Paper Airplane

Unleash your creativity and dexterity with this easy-to-follow guide on crafting five distinct paper airplane designs.

Materials Needed: All you need is a sheet of paper, a ruler, scissors, and optionally, some double-sided tape.

The Dart: This is the most basic model, a classic design that everyone should master.

1. Fold the paper in half vertically.
2. Unfold the paper and fold each of the top corners into the center line.
3. Fold the top edges into the center line.
4. Fold the plane in half toward you.
5. Fold the wings down, matching the top edges up with the bottom edge of the body.
6. Add double stick tape to the inside of the body.

The Stealth: Designed for distance, this model also boasts a cool aesthetic.

1. Fold the paper in half vertically.
2. Unfold the paper and fold each of the top corners into the center line.
3. Fold the peak toward you and 3/4” from the bottom of the paper.
4. Fold both top corners into the center line.
5. Fold the remaining tip over the two flaps at the center line to lock them in place.
6. Fold the plane in half away from you.
7. Fold the wings down 1” from the bottom of the plane.
8. Fold up the sides of each wing 1/2” tall.
9. Cut two small slits at the back of each wing. Fold up the tabs.
10. Add double stick tape to the inside of the body.

The Bumble: When constructed correctly, this bee-like model can stay airborne for a considerable duration.

1. Fold the paper in half horizontally.
2. Unfold the paper and fold each of the top corners into the center line.
3. Fold the peak down to meet the edge of the previous fold.
4. Fold the upper sides into the center line.
5. Fold the top edge 1/2” away from you.
6. Fold the plane in half towards you.
7. Fold the wings down 1/2” from the bottom of the plane.
8. Add double stick tape to the inside of the body.

The Hunter: This sleek model promises speed and distance.

1. Fold the paper in half vertically.
2. Unfold the paper and fold the top edge down 2”.
3. Fold the top edge down again to meet the bottom of the previous fold.
4. Fold the top edge down one more time to meet the bottom of the previous fold.
5. Fold the top edges down and away from you to the center line on the back of the paper.
6. Fold the plane in half towards you.
7. 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”.
8. Add double stick tape to the inside of the body.

The Bullnose: This model is deceptively fast and can cover quite a distance.

1. Fold the top right corner over to the left side, making a fold from the top of the paper to the bottom right corner.
2. Unfold the paper and repeat for the left corner.
3. Unfold the paper again and fold the top right corner over to meet the crease made from the first fold.
4. Fold the left corner over to meet the crease from the second fold.
5. Fold the top right edge over to meet the edge of the fold from step 3. Repeat for the other side.
6. Fold the top edge down and towards you to meet the point where the right and left layers cross.
7. 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.
8. Add double stick tape to the inside of the body.

Enjoy crafting these paper airplanes and have fun flying them.