How to Build a Paper Airplane That Flies Far

Learn how to fold a classic paper airplane designed for distance and speed with these simple, step-by-step instructions.

  1. Make the center crease. Lay your paper flat in front of you. Fold it in half vertically (long edge to long edge), then unfold it so you have a line running down the middle.
  2. Fold the top corners. Take the top two corners and fold them inward until they meet the center crease, creating a point at the top of your paper.
  3. Create the nose. Fold those same top edges toward the center line one more time. This makes the nose of the plane thinner and sharper.
  4. Fold the body. Fold the entire plane in half along your original center crease so the folded flaps are on the inside.
  5. Form the wings. Fold each side down to meet the bottom edge of the plane's body. Press the folds firmly with your fingernail to make them sharp.