Weight and balance calculator for training aircraft
Pick your airplane. Each calculator uses the loading stations and CG envelope from that type's POH (section 6), checks the takeoff, landing and zero-fuel points, and tells you how much to move if the CG is out of limits.
| Aircraft | Max weight | Usable fuel | Aft CG limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 152 | 1,670 lb | 24.5 gal | 36.5 in |
| Cessna 172N / 172M | 2,300 lb | 40 gal | 47.3 in |
| Cessna 172P | 2,400 lb | 40 gal | 47.3 in |
| Cessna 172R | 2,450 lb | 53 gal | 47.3 in |
| Cessna 172S | 2,550 lb | 53 gal | 47.3 in |
| Piper PA-28-161 Warrior | 2,440 lb | 48 gal | 93 in |
| Piper PA-28-181 Archer | 2,550 lb | 48 gal | 93 in |
| Piper PA-28R-201 Arrowsample data | 2,750 lb | 72 gal | 93 in |
| Piper PA-44-180 Seminolesample data | 3,800 lb | 108 gal | 93 in |
How weight and balance works
- Weight × arm = moment. The arm is the distance in inches from the datum (a reference point the manufacturer picks). Multiply each weight by its arm.
- Add up. Total weight = empty weight + people + baggage + fuel (6 lb per gallon of avgas). Total moment = sum of all moments.
- CG = total moment ÷ total weight. The result is where the airplane balances, in inches aft of the datum.
- Check the envelope. The weight must not exceed the maximum, and the CG must sit between the forward and aft limits for that weight. Many trainers have a forward limit that moves aft as weight goes up.
- Check landing too. Fuel burns off during the flight. If the fuel tanks are behind the CG, the CG moves forward as you burn fuel; if ahead, it moves aft. Run the numbers for the landing weight as well.
To fix an out-of-limits CG, move weight between two stations: weight to move = (CG change needed × total weight) ÷ (difference between the two arms). The calculators do this for you.
Use the empty weight and empty CG from the current weight-and-balance record of the exact aircraft you fly — they change with equipment and paint. The numbers here are for practice; the POH and the aircraft's records govern.
Weight and balance in the cockpit, offline
TOGA EFB keeps the same loading sheets for all 9 trainers, saves each tail number's empty weight and CG, and puts the result on a one-page briefing sheet.
- FAA approach plates, airport diagrams, departures and arrivals for 3,000+ US airports — switches to the new 28-day cycle on its effective date, and saves for offline use
- E6B flight computer and weight & balance for 9 training aircraft
- METAR and TAF decoded into plain English, with VFR / MVFR / IFR / LIFR
- Logbook that tracks progress toward 40 h private, 250 h commercial and 1,500 h ATP
Everything you use in the US is free — no subscription, no ads. iPhone, iPad and Android.
E6B flight computer · US airports: METAR, TAF and FAA charts
For practice and reference only — not for navigation or flight planning. Always check current official sources (FAA charts, Chart Supplement, NOTAMs, an official weather briefing). The pilot in command is responsible for the flight.