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Payload Range Tradeoff Calculator

Work out payload range tradeoff instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Payload Range Tradeoff Calculator

Every kilogram of payload is a kilogram of fuel you cannot carry once the aircraft is at maximum take-off weight. Fuel available equals MTOW minus empty weight minus payload, and range is that fuel multiplied by specific air range, giving the classic payload-range trade curve.

Formula

Payload-range

Fuel = MTOW - OEW - payload; Range = fuel x specific air range

Worked example

With the default values below, Payload Range Tradeoff Calculator returns Range at this payload of 1,190.00. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Maximum take-off weight
5,700 kg
Operating empty weight
3,400 kg
Desired payload
900 kg
Specific air range
0.85 nm/kg

Results

Range at this payload
1,190.00 nm
Fuel that can be carried
1,400.00 kg
Maximum payload at zero fuel
2,300.00 kg
Weight allowance remaining
1,400.00 kg

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Payload-range
  3. 3Range at this payload= 1,190.00 nm
  4. 4Fuel that can be carried= 1,400.00 kg
  5. 5Maximum payload at zero fuel= 2,300.00 kg
  6. 6Weight allowance remaining= 1,400.00 kg

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

Why is the payload-range curve flat then sloped?

Below MTOW the aircraft is volume or structurally limited so range grows with fuel at constant payload; once at MTOW every extra litre must displace payload, so the curve slopes down.

What is specific air range?

Nautical miles flown per unit of fuel burnt. It varies with weight and altitude, so use a cruise-average figure for planning.

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