Aircraft weight and balance is the process of checking two things at the same time: that the loaded airplane is not too heavy, and that its center of gravity is inside the approved envelope for that weight.
The basic calculation
Every load has a weight and an arm measured from the aircraft datum. Weight multiplied by arm gives moment. Add all weights and moments, then divide total moment by total weight to find the loaded CG.
Moment = Weight × Arm
Loaded CG = Total Moment ÷ Total Weight
What must be checked?
A valid loading must satisfy maximum weight, forward and aft CG limits, and any station or baggage limits that apply. Being below maximum weight does not automatically mean the airplane is within balance limits.
Takeoff and landing weight and balance
Weight and center of gravity can change during flight as fuel is burned. A loading that is acceptable at takeoff should therefore also be considered at the expected landing fuel quantity when the applicable aircraft limits require it. WBcalc calculators allow takeoff fuel, planned trip fuel burn and expected landing fuel to be evaluated as part of the loading workflow.
What is zero fuel weight?
Zero fuel weight is the aircraft weight before usable fuel is added. Some aircraft have a published maximum zero fuel weight (MZFW), while many light aircraft do not. A zero fuel limit should only be applied when it is specified by the documentation for the applicable aircraft configuration.
Use aircraft-specific data
Different variants within one model family can use different maximum weights, fuel systems, loading stations and CG envelopes. Choose the exact aircraft calculator rather than transferring limits from a similar model.
Basic empty weight matters
The actual basic empty weight and CG belong to the individual aircraft. A POH sample can be useful for trying a calculator, but flight planning should use the current certified weight and balance record.
Try a model-specific calculator
Browse all aircraft weight and balance calculators, including Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Mooney, Grumman and Beechcraft models.
Calculate weight and balance for your aircraft
WBcalc provides model-specific calculators with aircraft loading stations, fuel data and CG limits. Browse all supported aircraft calculators.
WBcalc is a planning aid. Approved aircraft documents and the current aircraft weight and balance record remain authoritative.