Aircraft Weight and Balance Calculation – Guide
This guide explains step by step how to calculate the center of gravity of an aircraft.
Tip: With the free TrimCalc app this process is faster and clearer.
Open TrimCalc
1. Basic principle
Center of gravity = Total moment / Total weight
2. Required data
- Empty weight
- Arms from aircraft manual
- Pilot and passenger weight
- Fuel
- Baggage and additional weights
3. Calculate moment
Moment = Weight × Arm
4. Total weight
- Empty weight
- Pilot + passengers
- Fuel
- Baggage
5. Calculate CG
Divide total moment by total weight.
6. Check limits
- within allowed range?
- within safe loading limits?
Always use official aircraft data from AFM, POH or maintenance documents.
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