Payload Range Calculator
The payload-range tradeoff is a fundamental constraint in flight planning. Aircraft have a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW), and the sum of basic empty weight, payload, and fuel must not exceed it. This calculator determines how much fuel you can carry given your payload, or how much payload you can carry for a desired range. It also calculates the resulting range or payload. Enter the aircraft's basic empty weight, MTOW, maximum fuel capacity, actual payload, and cruise specific range (nm per gallon) to see the tradeoff. The calculator also shows available fuel load and resulting ferry range with zero payload.
Payload-range tradeoff formula
Available Fuel (lb) = min(MTOW - BEW - Payload, Max Fuel lb)
Available Fuel (gal) = Available Fuel (lb) / 6.0
Range (nm) = Available Fuel (gal) x Specific Range (nm/gal)
Ferry Range (nm) = min(Max Fuel, MTOW - BEW) / 6.0 x SR
The available fuel is limited by both the structural MTOW constraint and the physical fuel tank capacity. Avgas (100LL) is 6.0 lb per US gallon. For Jet-A, use 6.7 lb per US gallon. Specific range should come from the aircraft POH at the planned cruise altitude and power setting.
Understanding the payload-range diagram
- Point A: Maximum payload with limited fuel (MTOW limited).
- Point B: Maximum payload that allows full fuel tanks (fuel-limited, payload reduced to fill tanks).
- Point C: Zero payload, maximum fuel (maximum range/ferry range).
- The line from A to B to C defines the payload-range capability. Any point inside is achievable.
Payload range calculator: frequently asked questions
What is the payload-range tradeoff?
Aircraft have a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) limit. Every pound of extra fuel loaded reduces the available payload (passengers and cargo) by one pound. Conversely, reducing payload allows more fuel to be loaded, extending range. This tradeoff defines the payload-range diagram.
What is maximum structural payload?
Maximum structural payload is the maximum weight of payload the aircraft can carry regardless of fuel. It is limited by structural limits, not fuel. For many aircraft, you cannot carry maximum structural payload and fill the fuel tanks simultaneously without exceeding MTOW.
How do I calculate range from fuel?
Range = Specific Range (nm/gal) x Usable Fuel (gal). Specific range depends on airspeed, weight, and altitude. A simplified calculation uses average specific range at cruise. For this calculator, enter cruise ground speed and fuel flow to derive specific range automatically.
What is the maximum range point on a payload-range diagram?
The maximum range point occurs when payload is reduced to zero and all available weight (up to MTOW) is fuel. Beyond this point, even removing more payload does not add range because the fuel capacity is the limit.
Why does heavier payload reduce range?
Higher gross weight increases drag, requires more lift, and increases fuel burn. Also, more payload means less fuel can be carried within the MTOW limit. Both effects combine to reduce range at higher payloads.
Official sources
- FAA Aircraft Weight and Balance Handbook (FAA-H-8083-1B): faa.gov.
- FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25B): faa.gov.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.