Cessna 172 Weight and Balance Calculator

Aircraft reference: Cessna 172 production years, model information and certification

This calculator represents the normal-category landplane loading data for the Cessna 172 from the FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet. Enter the current basic empty weight and arm from the weight and balance record for the individual aircraft.

Maximum weight: 2,200 lbs. Usable fuel: 37 US gal. Fuel arm: 48 in.

Data source: FAA TCDS 3A12, Model 172 normal-category landplane. How WBcalc sources aircraft data

Enter the aircraft loading and fuel plan to check takeoff and expected landing conditions. After calculating, you can print or save the completed weight and balance worksheet as a PDF.

Cessna 172 specifications

Specification	Value
Maximum takeoff weight	2,200 lbs
Maximum landing weight	2,200 lbs
CG limits defined from	1,733 lbs
Forward CG at 1,733 lbs	36.4 in
Forward CG at 2,200 lbs	40.8 in
Aft CG limit	46.4 in
Usable fuel	37 US gal
Fuel arm	48 in

Source: FAA TCDS 3A12, Model 172 normal-category landplane.

Cessna 172 CG limits

Aircraft weight	Forward CG limit	Aft CG limit
1,733 lbs	36.4 in	46.4 in
2,200 lbs	40.8 in	46.4 in

The calculator uses the published CG envelope points and linear interpolation between forward-limit breakpoints where applicable.

Cessna 172 loading stations

Station	Arm	Limit
Pilot and front passenger	36 in
Rear passengers	70 in
Baggage	95 in	120 lbs

172 fuel capacity

This calculator uses 37 US gallons of usable fuel at an arm of 48 inches.

172 baggage limits

Baggage is limited to 120 lbs

Normal category limits

The CG envelope on this page is for the normal category.

About this Cessna 172 configuration

This page represents the normal-category Cessna 172 configuration identified in FAA TCDS 3A12, Model 172 normal-category landplane. The calculator uses a maximum takeoff weight of 2,200 lb and 37 US gal of usable fuel.

The reference datum for the loading arms on this page is Firewall / datum used by FAA TCDS 3A12.

Need help with the terminology? Read the aircraft weight and balance guide or the CG envelope guide.

Related aircraft

Cessna 172K, Cessna 172D, Cessna 172G, Cessna 172S Skyhawk, Cessna 172F, Cessna 172C, Cessna 172I, Cessna 172E

Cessna 172 FAQ

What maximum takeoff weight does this Cessna 172 calculator use?

This calculator uses a maximum takeoff weight of 2,200 lb for the configuration identified on this page.

How much usable fuel is represented for the Cessna 172?

This page uses up to 37 US gal of usable fuel at an arm of 48 in.

What baggage limit is represented for the Cessna 172?

Baggage is limited to 120 lb on this page.

Source and applicability

Source: FAA TCDS 3A12, Model 172 normal-category landplane. Check the current POH or AFM, aircraft weight and balance record, equipment list and applicable supplements for the individual aircraft.

WBcalc is a planning aid. Check the current POH or AFM, aircraft weight and balance record, equipment list and applicable supplements before flight.

Need model context? View the Cessna 172 Aircraft Reference page for production years, family information and certification details.

Weight and balance guides: Weight and balance · Center of gravity · CG envelope · Moment · Basic empty weight · Fuel weight

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Cessna 172 Aircraft Reference
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