Paramotor Weight Calculator
Calculate All Up Weight (AUW) & Wing Loading for Powered Paragliding
Your weight fully clothed (without flying gear).
Please enter a valid positive weight.
Dry weight of motor, frame, and harness.
Please enter a valid positive weight.
Amount of fuel (Gasoline density approx 0.75 kg/L).
Please enter a valid positive volume.
Weight of the paraglider wing itself.
Please enter a valid positive weight.
Reserve parachute, helmet, instruments, water, etc.
Please enter a valid positive weight.
Used to calculate Wing Loading. Check your wing manual.
Please enter a valid positive area.
Total Flying Weight (AUW)
0 kgWing Loading
0
kg/m²
Fuel Weight
0
kg
Rec. Wing Class
–
Based on Loading
Formula: AUW = Pilot + Motor + (Fuel Vol × 0.75) + Wing + Gear.
Wing Loading = AUW / Wing Area.
Wing Loading = AUW / Wing Area.
Weight Distribution Breakdown
Wing Loading Reference Table
| Pilot Level / Wing Type | Typical Loading (kg/m²) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner / School | 3.0 – 4.0 | Slow, stable, forgiving |
| Intermediate / Sport | 4.0 – 5.0 | Agile, faster, dynamic |
| Advanced / Competition | 5.0 – 6.5+ | Very fast, high energy, demanding |
What is a Paramotor Weight Calculator?
A paramotor weight calculator is an essential flight planning tool used by Powered Paragliding (PPG) pilots to determine their "All Up Weight" (AUW). AUW is the total weight of everything that leaves the ground: the pilot, the motor unit, fuel, the wing itself, and all accessories like a reserve parachute, helmet, and instruments.
Knowing your exact AUW is critical for safety. It determines which wing size you should fly, how your glider will perform, your takeoff speed, and your fuel economy. Many beginners underestimate their total weight, leading to the purchase of undersized wings that can be dangerous to launch and land. This calculator helps eliminate the guesswork by aggregating all component weights into a precise total.
Paramotor Weight Calculator Formula
The calculation for All Up Weight is a summation of all physical components. However, calculating the weight of fuel requires a specific conversion factor because fuel is measured in volume (liters) but contributes to lift requirements in mass (kilograms).
The Mathematical Formula
The core formula used in this tool is:
AUW = Pilot + Motor + (Fuel Volume × Density) + Wing + Accessories
Where:
- Fuel Density: We use 0.75 kg/L as a standard average for gasoline/oil mixtures used in 2-stroke paramotors.
- Wing Loading: Calculated as AUW / Wing Area (m²).
Variables Table
| Variable | Meaning | Unit | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pilot Weight | Body weight clothed | kg | 50 – 120 kg |
| Motor Unit | Engine, frame, harness | kg | 20 – 35 kg |
| Fuel Weight | Mass of gas/oil mix | kg | 0.75 kg per Liter |
| Wing Loading | Weight per square meter | kg/m² | 3.5 – 6.0 kg/m² |
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: The Recreational Pilot
John is a recreational pilot weighing 85kg. He flies a reliable Moster 185 unit (27kg) and carries 10 liters of fuel for a morning cross-country flight. He wears a standard helmet and carries a reserve (5kg total gear). His wing weighs 5.5kg.
- Inputs: Pilot (85), Motor (27), Fuel (10L), Gear (5), Wing (5.5).
- Fuel Weight: 10L × 0.75 = 7.5kg.
- Total AUW: 85 + 27 + 7.5 + 5 + 5.5 = 130 kg.
- Analysis: If John flies a 26m² wing, his loading is 5.0 kg/m², putting him in a sporty/intermediate range.
Example 2: The Light Adventure Pilot
Sarah is a lighter pilot (60kg) using a lightweight titanium frame unit (20kg). She only carries 5 liters of fuel for a quick sunset flight and minimal gear (3kg). Her lightweight mountain wing weighs 4kg.
- Inputs: Pilot (60), Motor (20), Fuel (5L), Gear (3), Wing (4).
- Fuel Weight: 5L × 0.75 = 3.75kg.
- Total AUW: 60 + 20 + 3.75 + 3 + 4 = 90.75 kg.
- Analysis: Sarah needs a much smaller wing than John. A 20m² wing would give her a loading of ~4.5 kg/m², ideal for stability and agility.
How to Use This Paramotor Weight Calculator
- Enter Pilot Weight: Input your body weight. It is best to weigh yourself while wearing your flying clothes and boots.
- Enter Motor Weight: Input the "dry weight" of your paramotor (without fuel). Check your manufacturer's manual.
- Input Fuel Volume: Enter how many liters of fuel you plan to carry. The calculator automatically converts this to kilograms.
- Add Gear & Wing: Don't forget the weight of the glider itself (usually 4-6kg) and your reserve parachute/helmet.
- Review Wing Loading: Enter your wing's projected area to see your wing loading. Compare this against the "Wing Loading Reference Table" to ensure you are within the safe range for your skill level.
Key Factors That Affect Paramotor Weight Results
Understanding the nuances of weight in aviation is crucial. Here are six factors that influence your calculations:
- Fuel Density Variations: While we use 0.75 kg/L, temperature affects fuel density. Cold fuel is denser and heavier than warm fuel.
- Wing Size vs. Projected Area: Manufacturers list "flat area" and "projected area." Always use projected area for accurate lift calculations, though flat area is often used for general marketing comparisons.
- Altitude (Density Altitude): While altitude doesn't change your physical weight (mass), it affects lift. At high altitudes, air is thinner, so a specific AUW will feel "heavier" to the wing, requiring a faster takeoff run.
- Equipment Upgrades: Adding a larger fuel tank, electric start (battery weight), or a heavy reserve parachute can creep up your AUW significantly over time.
- Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: A higher AUW requires more thrust to climb. If your motor produces 60kg of thrust and your AUW is 130kg, your climb rate will be modest.
- Structural Limits: Every wing has a certified weight range (e.g., 80-105kg). Flying above this weight (overloading) voids certification and can make the wing react violently to collapses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does fuel weight really matter for short flights?
Yes. Even 5 liters of fuel weighs nearly 4kg. On a light setup, this is a significant percentage of the total unit weight and affects the center of gravity and takeoff ease.
What happens if my wing loading is too high?
High wing loading increases your stall speed, takeoff speed, and landing speed. The wing becomes more dynamic and reacts faster to inputs, which can be dangerous for beginners.
What happens if my wing loading is too low?
If you are too light for a wing, it becomes sluggish and prone to collapses in turbulence because there isn't enough internal pressure keeping the wing rigid.
Should I include the weight of the paramotor bag?
No, only include items that fly with you. Do not include transport bags or covers left in the car.
How accurate is the 0.75 kg/L fuel estimate?
It is accurate enough for aviation planning. Gasoline is roughly 0.72-0.74 kg/L, and 2-stroke oil is roughly 0.85-0.90 kg/L. The mixture averages out close to 0.75 kg/L.
Does pilot weight include clothes?
Yes. Winter flying suits, heavy boots, and heated gloves can add 3-5kg easily. Always weigh yourself fully dressed for accuracy.
Is AUW the same as "Clip-in Weight"?
Clip-in weight usually refers to the pilot + harness + clothes (everything hooked to the risers). AUW includes the wing itself. Be careful which metric your wing manufacturer uses.
Can I use this for free-flight paragliding?
Yes, simply set the "Motor Weight" and "Fuel" to zero. The logic for AUW and wing loading remains the same.
Related Tools and Internal Resources
Explore more tools to enhance your flying safety and knowledge:
- Advanced Wing Loading Calculator – A dedicated tool for analyzing wing performance curves.
- Paramotor Fuel Consumption Guide – Learn how to estimate flight time based on your engine type.
- Beginner Wing Selection Guide – How to choose your first EN-A or EN-B glider.
- Static Thrust Calculator – Estimate your engine's power output based on prop size.
- Understanding Density Altitude – Why your wing feels different in summer vs winter.
- Reserve Parachute Sizing Guide – Ensure your backup chute can handle your calculated AUW.