Holding Pattern Fuel Calculator
When ATC assigns a holding pattern, fuel planning becomes critical. You need to know how much fuel will be consumed in the hold, how much will remain after the hold, and whether that remaining fuel is sufficient to continue to the destination or alternate and still meet FAA reserve requirements. This calculator computes fuel burned in a hold, remaining fuel after the hold, and the maximum safe hold time before you must depart to maintain legal reserve. Enter your current fuel on board, hold burn rate, post-hold fuel requirements (to destination and alternate), and required reserve.
Holding pattern fuel formula
Fuel Used in Hold (gal) = Burn Rate (GPH) x Hold Time (min) / 60
Fuel After Hold (gal) = Fuel on Board - Fuel Used in Hold
Max Hold Time (min) = (Fuel on Board - Post-Hold Fuel - Reserve) / Burn Rate x 60
The maximum safe hold time is when departing the hold with just enough fuel to reach the destination and maintain the required reserve. If the calculated maximum hold time is less than zero, the aircraft does not have enough fuel for the planned post-hold routing and must divert immediately.
IFR holding fuel requirements
- Under 14 CFR 91.167, IFR aircraft must carry fuel to reach destination, then alternate (if required), plus 45 minutes at cruise speed.
- If fuel remaining at the hold entry does not support completing the hold plus post-hold routing plus reserve, the pilot must declare minimum fuel or execute a divert.
- The FAA AIM defines "minimum fuel" advisory as having no fuel for delays beyond the planned routing. It is not an emergency declaration but is advisory.
- Fuel emergency is declared when fuel on board is insufficient to safely complete the flight.
Holding pattern fuel calculator: frequently asked questions
What is a holding pattern?
A holding pattern is a racetrack-shaped flight path used to delay an aircraft while awaiting clearance to proceed. ATC assigns holds due to traffic, weather, or runway congestion. The standard holding pattern consists of two straight legs and two turns of 1 to 1.5 minutes each.
How do I calculate fuel burned in a hold?
Fuel burned = Fuel Burn Rate (GPH) x Hold Time (hours). For example, holding for 45 minutes at 8.5 GPH burns 8.5 x 0.75 = 6.375 gallons. Always plan for fuel remaining after the hold to still meet your legal reserve requirements.
What holding speed should I fly?
FAA AIM specifies holding speeds by altitude: at or below 6,000 ft MSL: 200 KIAS max; 6,001 to 14,000 ft: 230 KIAS max; above 14,000 ft: 265 KIAS max. Published holds may have speed restrictions noted on the chart. Turbine aircraft use holding speeds from their performance charts.
How long is a standard hold?
Each turn in a standard hold is 1 minute at or below 14,000 ft MSL and 1.5 minutes above 14,000 ft. Each straight leg is also timed to give a 1-minute (or 1.5-minute) inbound leg. A full circuit takes approximately 4 minutes at low altitude and 6 minutes at high altitude.
When must I leave a hold?
You must leave the hold when your fuel remaining, after completing the approach and flying to the alternate (if required), will equal the IFR fuel reserve. This is the latest departure time from the hold. Calculating this requires knowing your fuel on board, fuel to destination, fuel to alternate, and the reserve requirement.
Official sources
- FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), Section 5-3 (En Route Procedures, Holding): faa.gov.
- 14 CFR 91.167 (Fuel requirements for IFR flight): ecfr.gov.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.