Top 10 Best Paper Airplanes: How to Make Them

Paper airplanes are a timeless classic, a simple yet enjoyable pastime that brings back childhood memories for many. But not all paper airplanes are created equal. Some soar gracefully, others dive bomb, and some barely manage to leave the ground. If you're looking to build the best paper airplane, this guide is for you.

We've compiled a list of the top 10 best paper airplane designs, ranked by their flight characteristics, ease of construction, and overall awesomeness. Get ready to fold, launch, and experience the joy of flight!

10. The Dart

This classic design is a great beginner's airplane. It's simple to fold and flies relatively well.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about one-third of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 45-degree angle.
5. Bend the nose slightly to give it a slight curve.

The Dart is best flown in a gentle breeze. It's not the most stable design, but it's fun to experiment with different launching techniques.

9. The Glider

This design is known for its long, gliding flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Dart, but the results are worth it.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about two-thirds of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 90-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly to create a dihedral.

The Glider is best flown in a calm environment. It's a great design for experimenting with different launch angles and techniques.

8. The Boomerang

This design is unique because it can actually fly back to you! It's a bit tricky to fold, but the reward is worth it.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about one-third of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 45-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly and then fold the wings back up, creating a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings down to create a curved shape.

The Boomerang is best flown in a calm environment. It's important to launch it with a slight upward angle to ensure it returns to you.

7. The Swallow

This design is known for its graceful flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Glider, but the results are stunning.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about two-thirds of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 90-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly to create a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings up to create a curved shape.

The Swallow is best flown in a calm environment. It's a great design for experimenting with different launch angles and techniques.

6. The Skyrocket

This design is known for its fast, straight flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Boomerang, but the results are worth it.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about one-third of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 45-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly and then fold the wings back up, creating a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings down to create a curved shape.
7. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.

The Skyrocket is best flown in a calm environment. It's important to launch it with a strong, upward throw to achieve its maximum flight potential.

5. The Condor

This design is known for its long, soaring flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Swallow, but the results are impressive.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about two-thirds of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 90-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly to create a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings up to create a curved shape.
7. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
8. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.

The Condor is best flown in a calm environment. It's a great design for experimenting with different launch angles and techniques.

4. The Delta Dart

This design is known for its fast, straight flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Skyrocket, but the results are worth it.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about one-third of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 45-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly and then fold the wings back up, creating a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings down to create a curved shape.
7. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
8. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.
9. Fold the back edge of the wings down again to create a curved shape.

The Delta Dart is best flown in a calm environment. It's important to launch it with a strong, upward throw to achieve its maximum flight potential.

3. The Super Glider

This design is known for its long, soaring flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Condor, but the results are impressive.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about two-thirds of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 90-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly to create a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings up to create a curved shape.
7. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
8. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.
9. Fold the back edge of the wings down again to create a curved shape.
10. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.

The Super Glider is best flown in a calm environment. It's a great design for experimenting with different launch angles and techniques.

2. The Airplane

This design is known for its long, soaring flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Super Glider, but the results are impressive.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about two-thirds of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 90-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly to create a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings up to create a curved shape.
7. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
8. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.
9. Fold the back edge of the wings down again to create a curved shape.
10. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
11. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.
12. Fold the back edge of the wings down again to create a curved shape.

The Airplane is best flown in a calm environment. It's a great design for experimenting with different launch angles and techniques.

1. The Paper Airplane

This design is known for its long, soaring flight. It's a bit more complex to fold than the Airplane, but the results are impressive.

1. Fold a standard sheet of paper in half lengthwise.
2. Fold the top corners down to the center crease.
3. Fold the top flap down again, about two-thirds of the way.
4. Fold the wings up at a 90-degree angle.
5. Fold the nose down slightly to create a dihedral.
6. Fold the back edge of the wings up to create a curved shape.
7. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
8. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.
9. Fold the back edge of the wings down again to create a curved shape.
10. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
11. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.
12. Fold the back edge of the wings down again to create a curved shape.
13. Fold the nose down again to create a sharp point.
14. Fold the wings back up slightly to create a dihedral.
15. Fold the back edge of the wings down again to create a curved shape.

The Paper Airplane is best flown in a calm environment. It's a great design for experimenting with different launch angles and techniques.

Now that you've learned how to make the top 10 best paper airplanes, it's time to put your skills to the test. Gather your friends, find a wide open space, and have some fun!