Wing Loading Calculator
Compute wing loading in kg/m² and lb/ft², estimate stall speed Vs = √(2W/(ρ·S·CLmax)), and size a skydiving canopy from your target wing loading. Aircraft and canopy presets included.
Level-flight stall speed from Vs = √(2·W / (ρ·S·CLmax)). W is entered as mass and converted to newtons internally.
Reverse solver: canopy area = exit weight / target wing loading. Exit weight = you + rig + everything you jump with.
Guideline only — your instructor and rigger have the final word on canopy size.
Wing loading vs. performance
| Effect | Low wing loading | High wing loading |
|---|---|---|
| Stall / landing speed | Lower | Higher |
| Takeoff & landing distance | Shorter | Longer |
| Ride in turbulence | Bumpier | Smoother |
| Wind penetration | Weaker | Stronger |
| Turn responsiveness | Gentler | Snappier |
| Cruise speed | Slower | Faster |
| Glide (same L/D) | Slower, same angle | Faster, same angle |
Glide angle depends on lift-to-drag ratio, not wing loading — but a heavier-loaded wing flies the same glide path faster.
Scope boundary
This tool covers: wing loading in kg/m² and lb/ft² for aircraft, skydiving canopies and paragliders; level-flight stall-speed estimates; canopy sizing from a target wing loading; experience-band guidance for skydivers.
This tool does not cover: weight-and-balance / CG limits, structural load limits, actual landing distance, canopy opening or flight characteristics of specific models, BASE jumping, or any certification or flight-planning decision. Stall speed here is a straight-and-level estimate — bank angle, gusts and configuration change it. For canopy choice, always defer to your instructor and rigger.
Frequently asked questions
What is wing loading?
Wing loading is the total weight of an aircraft (or parachute system) divided by its wing (or canopy) area. It is usually expressed in kilograms per square metre (kg/m2) or pounds per square foot (lb/ft2). It is one of the most important numbers in flight: it largely determines stall speed, glide performance, and how responsive the wing feels.
How do you calculate wing loading?
Use the formula WL = W / S, where W is the total weight and S is the wing area, both in consistent units. Example: a skydiver with rig weighing 90 kg under a 200 ft2 (18.58 m2) canopy has a wing loading of 90 / 18.58 = 4.84 kg/m2, which equals 0.99 lb/ft2.
What is a good wing loading for skydiving?
Common guidance: below 1.1 lb/ft2 for students, 1.1–1.4 lb/ft2 for intermediate jumpers, and above 1.4 lb/ft2 for advanced pilots flying high-performance canopies. These are experience guidelines, not guarantees — always follow your instructor and rigger.
How do I convert kg/m2 to lb/ft2?
Multiply kg/m2 by 0.204816 to get lb/ft2, or divide lb/ft2 by 0.204816 to get kg/m2. Example: 4.84 kg/m2 × 0.204816 = 0.99 lb/ft2.
What is the stall speed formula?
Vs = √(2·W / (ρ·S·CLmax)), where W is weight in newtons (mass in kg × 9.80665), ρ is air density in kg/m3 (1.225 at sea level), S is wing area in m2, and CLmax is the maximum lift coefficient. Stall speed grows with the square root of wing loading.
Does higher wing loading increase stall speed?
Yes. Stall speed is proportional to the square root of wing loading, so doubling the wing loading raises stall speed by about 41% (√2 ≈ 1.414). That is why heavily loaded wings land faster and need longer runways.
What is a typical wing loading for a Cessna 172?
At its maximum takeoff weight of 1,157 kg with a 16.2 m2 wing, a Cessna 172 has a wing loading of about 71.4 kg/m2 (≈14.6 lb/ft2). Typical ranges: gliders 30–40 kg/m2, light aircraft 50–120 kg/m2, airliners 500–700 kg/m2.
How do I choose a parachute canopy size from wing loading?
Rearrange the formula: canopy area = exit weight / target wing loading. Example: a 200 lb exit weight with a target wing loading of 1.1 lb/ft2 needs a 200 / 1.1 ≈ 182 ft2 canopy — so you would pick the next standard size up, a 190. Use the Canopy sizer tab above to compute it.
Does wing loading change when weight changes?
Yes, wing loading is directly proportional to weight. On the same wing, adding 10% more weight raises wing loading by 10% and stall speed by about 4.9% (√1.1 ≈ 1.049). Fuel burn during a flight therefore slightly lowers wing loading.
Is lower wing loading always better?
Not always. Low wing loading gives a lower stall speed and gentler handling, but also a bumpier ride in turbulence, less wind penetration, and slower cruise. High wing loading gives a smoother, faster, more responsive ride at the cost of higher landing speeds and longer landing distances.
Why do student skydivers jump big canopies?
A big canopy keeps wing loading below about 1.1 lb/ft2, which means slower descent, slower forward speed, softer flare timing, and more forgiving landings. It gives students more time to react while they learn canopy control.
How does altitude affect stall speed?
Air density ρ drops with altitude, and stall speed rises as 1/√ρ. At 10,000 ft (ρ ≈ 0.905 kg/m3) the stall speed is about 16% higher than at sea level for the same weight and configuration. True airspeed at the stall increases; indicated stall speed stays roughly constant.
Can wing loading be too low?
Yes. An extremely lightly loaded wing or canopy can struggle to penetrate into wind, get bounced around in turbulence, and feel vague or unresponsive. For skydiving, jumping far below your experience band can also mean landing far from the target in wind.
Is wing loading the same in metric and imperial units?
It describes the same physical quantity either way; only the numbers differ. Skydiving almost always uses lb/ft2, gliders and European aviation often use kg/m2, and US general aviation uses lb/ft2. This calculator shows both side by side.
Free tool by NRTechStudio