The Beginner Plane
The shortest useful fold sequence for first-time folders and young makers.
EasyBeginnerGlider
View Folding GuideFolding guide
Classic Dart
The Classic Dart is the paper airplane most people learn first. A sharp nose, swept wings, and a simple center crease make it easy to fold in a few minutes. It prefers a firm, level throw and flies best in a hallway or open room with little wind.
Difficulty: EasyTime: 3 minutesSpeedDistanceBeginner
Step 1 of 7
How to Fold a Classic Dart Paper Airplane
Step 1
Start with the paper portrait
Place a sheet of A4 or Letter paper vertically on a flat table, with the short edge at the top.
All folding steps
Step 1 Step 1: Start with the paper portrait
Place a sheet of A4 or Letter paper vertically on a flat table, with the short edge at the top.
Step 2 Step 2: Fold in half lengthwise
Fold the paper in half from left to right. Crease firmly, then open it flat again so a center guide crease remains.
Step 3 Step 3: Fold the top corners in
Fold the top-left and top-right corners down so they meet exactly on the center crease. You should see a sharp point at the top.
Step 4 Step 4: Fold the edges to the center again
Fold the left and right slanted edges in to the center crease once more, narrowing the nose into a dart shape.
Step 5 Step 5: Fold the plane in half
Fold the whole plane in half along the center crease so the previous folds are on the outside.
Step 6 Step 6: Create the wings
With the folded edge on top, fold one wing down so the top edge lines up with the bottom of the fuselage. Flip and repeat for the other wing.
Step 7 Step 7: Open the wings and fly
Open both wings so they sit level (or with a tiny upward dihedral). Pinch the fuselage and throw level.
Flying Tips
- Hold the plane near the middle of the fuselage, not at the very back.
- Throw straight and level — an upward flick often stalls a dart.
- If it dives, bend the trailing edges of the wings up slightly (elevators).
- If it climbs and stalls, reduce upward elevator or throw a bit softer.
Paper Airplane Specifications
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Folding time
- 3 minutes
- Paper size
- A4 or Letter
- Best for
- Indoor halls, quick demos, learning basic flight trim
- Flight style
- Fast and relatively straight with a firm throw
- Notes
- Works with printer paper; slightly heavier paper holds the nose better.
Related Paper Airplanes
The Fast Dart
A tightened classic dart with crisp edges for speed runs.
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A thick-nosed dart that stays sturdy and tracks well on firm indoor throws.
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View Folding GuideNakamura Lock
A distance favorite with a locked nose fold that keeps the point from unfolding in flight.
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View Folding GuideClassic Dart FAQ
Is the Classic Dart good for beginners?+
Yes. It uses a short sequence of common folds and teaches nose shape, wing alignment, and basic trim.
Why does my Classic Dart dive?+
Usually the nose is too heavy relative to wing lift, or the wings are angled down. Add a slight upward bend at the back of each wing and check that both wings are the same size.
What paper should I use?+
Standard 70–90 gsm printer paper (A4 or Letter) is ideal. Card stock is usually too stiff for this thin dart.