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Paper Airplane

The classic dart paper airplane, printed so the decoration lands on the plane: stars and red chevrons on the wings, a blue body with windows, and a red nose. Print the sheet, cut out the rectangle, fold on the numbered lines and fly it.

The finished paper airplane, folded from the printed sheet
The paper airplane printable sheet: the square to cut out with numbered fold lines, and step pictures Free printable sheet (PDF) Download PDF

How to fold it

The fold lines and their numbers are printed on the sheet. Each picture shows the paper after that step.

  1. Paper Airplane step 1: Cut out the rectangle on the solid line.Step 1Cut out the rectangle on the solid line.
  2. Paper Airplane step 2: Fold both top corners back on the 1 lines.Step 2Fold both top corners back on the 1 lines.
  3. Paper Airplane step 3: Fold both slanted edges back on the 2 lines.Step 3Fold both slanted edges back on the 2 lines.
  4. Paper Airplane step 4: Fold it in half backward on line 3. Turn it so the point faces left.Step 4Fold it in half backward on line 3. Turn it so the point faces left.
  5. Paper Airplane step 5: Fold the wing down on line 4. Turn it over and fold the other wing.Step 5Fold the wing down on line 4. Turn it over and fold the other wing.
  6. Paper Airplane step 6: Open the wings out flat. Ready to fly!Step 6Open the wings out flat. Ready to fly!

Tips for folding with kids

  1. Print at actual sizePrint at 100 percent on US Letter paper so the lines and pictures line up.
  2. Cut on the lineCut just on the solid line. A little white at the edge is fine.
  3. Make sharp foldsFold right on the dashed line, then run a thumbnail along the fold.
  4. Go in number orderFold line 1 first, then 2, and so on. Lines with the same number are done together.

More origami to fold

The finished origami heart Origami HeartTen small folds, no turning over.5 steps · free PDF The finished paper fortune teller Paper Fortune TellerColor words, numbers and eight fortunes.4 steps · free PDF The finished origami cat face Origami Cat FaceFour folds. Pointed ears, whiskers and stripes.4 steps · free PDF The finished origami dog face Origami Dog FaceFour folds. Floppy ears and a black nose.4 steps · free PDF The finished origami fox face Origami Fox FaceFive folds. Ears, eyes and nose land in place.4 steps · free PDF The finished origami sailboat Origami SailboatTwo folds. The stripes land on the sail.4 steps · free PDF

About this printable

Most origami starts with plain paper and a diagram to follow. This sheet puts the fold lines, their numbers and the picture right on the paper, so a child can fold it on their own. The picture is printed in pieces, each one where it ends up once the paper is folded, so it only comes together at the end.

More to fold: all the origami printables. More to make: step-by-step drawing lessons and coloring pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you make a paper airplane that flies far?

Make every fold sharp by running a thumbnail along it, keep the two wings the same size, and throw it gently and level instead of hard. The dart flies fast and straight.

Why is the back of each wing white on top?

The sheet is printed on one side only. The front of the wings is the folded nose flaps, which are printed; the back of each wing top is the plain side of the paper. Kids can color it in.

What paper do I need?

Plain printer paper. Print the sheet on US Letter paper at 100 percent (actual size), then cut out the shape on the solid line. Thinner paper folds more easily than card stock.

Can I print it in black and white?

Yes. The pictures come out in gray and every fold works the same.

Why is the picture on the flat sheet in pieces?

Each part of the picture is printed where it lands once the paper is folded, so the flat sheet looks scrambled. Fold on the lines in number order and it comes together.