Wing loading calculator
Your exit weight divided by your canopy's area — in both unit systems — and, for canopies in our database, where that weight sits on the manufacturer's own chart.
Information, not advice: it does not tell you which canopy or loading to fly. That decision belongs with you, your canopy coach and your drop zone.
Your exit weight on common sizes
| Size | 79 | 84 | 89 | 97 | 107 | 120 | 135 | 150 | 170 | 190 | 210 | 230 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| lb/ft² | 2.57 | 2.41 | 2.28 | 2.09 | 1.90 | 1.69 | 1.50 | 1.35 | 1.19 | 1.07 | 0.97 | 0.88 |
| kg/m² | 12.5 | 11.8 | 11.1 | 10.2 | 9.3 | 8.3 | 7.3 | 6.6 | 5.8 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 4.3 |
Wing loading, explained
What is wing loading in skydiving?
Wing loading is your exit weight — your body plus everything you jump with — divided by the area of your main canopy. It is quoted in pounds per square foot (lb/ft²). For example, 200 lb on a 170 sq ft canopy is about 1.18 lb/ft².
How do I calculate my wing loading?
Weigh yourself fully kitted (or add body weight and gear weight), convert to pounds (kg × 2.2046), then divide by the canopy size in square feet. Kilograms per square metre is the same number × 4.88.
What does a higher wing loading change?
With the same canopy design, a higher wing loading generally means more speed and quicker response, and manufacturers such as Performance Designs note that the recovery arc lengthens as wing loading goes up. Design, trim and size all matter, which is why manufacturers publish model-specific charts.
Which wing loading should I fly?
That is not a number a calculator can give you. Manufacturers publish charts per model and size, some national associations publish rules, and the decision belongs with you, your canopy coach and your drop zone.
Is exit weight the same as body weight?
No. Exit weight includes the container, both canopies, clothing, helmet, altimeters, camera and any weights. The simplest way to know it is to weigh yourself fully kitted.