How to Make a Paper Airplane

Step 1: Place paper Place the paper on a flat surface in front of you, as if you were about to write a letter.
Step 2: Crease paper Fold the paper in half lengthwise. Make a crease, then unfold the paper and smooth it flat again.
TIP: Use the edge of a ruler instead of your finger to make your creases really sharp.
Step 3: Fold corners Fold the top two corners down and toward the crease to form two triangles, creating a point at the top of the paper. Press the folds flat.
Step 4: Fold edges in Now fold the two slanted edges at the top of the paper in so that they also run along the middle crease.
Step 5: Fold along crease Fold the entire right side of the paper over the left side (along the middle crease), so that all of your new folds are on the inside.
Step 6: Form wing Fold down the top folded edge on one side so that it runs along your original middle crease. This will create one of your wings.
Step 7: Form other wing Flip the paper over and repeat, folding the slanted edge over to meet the middle crease, forming your other wing.
TIP: A little weight at the front of your plane can help it fly farther—try attaching a paper clip to the nose.
Step 8: Unfold wings upward Unfold the wings slightly upward, and you’re ready to for takeoff.
FACT: The longest distance flown by a paper airplane indoors is 193 feet—which is farther than the first flight made by the Wright brothers!

Lessons in this Guide