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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Browse all aircraft weight and balance calculators, including Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Mooney, Grumman and Beechcraft models.
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.