Maximum Take Off Weight Check Calculator

Work out maximum take off weight check instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Maximum Take Off Weight Check Calculator

Take-off weight is basic empty weight plus payload plus fuel. The check is simply whether that total is at or below the certified maximum, and if not, how much must come off. Remember that a performance-limited weight for the runway, altitude and temperature of the day can be lower than the certified MTOW.

Formula

MTOW check

Actual TOW = basic empty + payload + fuel; margin = MTOW - actual

Worked example

With the default values below, Maximum Take Off Weight Check Calculator returns Margin below MTOW of 17.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Certified maximum take-off weight: 1,157 kg
Basic empty weight: 760 kg
Crew, passengers and baggage: 240 kg
Fuel on board: 140 kg

Results

Margin below MTOW: 17.00 kg
Actual take-off weight: 1,140.00 kg
Percentage of MTOW used: 98.5% %
Result: Within MTOW

Step by step

1Values used
2MTOW check
3Margin below MTOW= 17.00 kg
4Actual take-off weight= 1,140.00 kg
5Percentage of MTOW used= 98.5 %
6Result= Within MTOW

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Aviation results are planning estimates only. Always verify take-off, landing, fuel, weight and balance figures against the certified Aircraft Flight Manual, current performance charts and applicable aviation regulations before flight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be under MTOW and still be illegal?

Yes. Zero fuel weight, landing weight, individual compartment limits and the CG envelope must all be satisfied as well.

What if performance limits me below MTOW?

Then the performance-limited weight governs. Runway length, obstacle clearance, climb gradient and brake energy can all cap the weight well below the certified figure.