How to Use This Calculator
This tool builds your Total Flying Weight (TFW) — also called PTV (Poids Total au Décollage), AUW (All-Up Weight), or simply takeoff weight — component by component, so you can accurately check whether a given wing size fits you before you buy or fly.
- Enter your clothed body weight — weigh yourself in the clothes you intend to fly in.
- Enter the wing's flat area — found in the manufacturer's technical specifications (not the projected area).
- Enter the certified weight range — from the manufacturer's published specs for the specific size you are evaluating.
- Adjust gear weights — edit each item to match your actual equipment (check your gear manuals or weigh items). Set unused items to 0.
- Read the result — your TFW, % position through the range, wing loading in kg/m², and a size-fit verdict update instantly.
Why TFW Accuracy Matters
The certified weight range (CWR) is the single most safety-critical parameter when sizing a paraglider. A wing certified to EN/LTF standards is tested at both the minimum and maximum of its stated range — outside that range the certification does not apply. Inaccurate TFW estimates lead to pilots flying under- or over-loaded wings with untested handling characteristics.
Common mistakes include: forgetting to add the wing's own weight, ignoring a full water bladder (1 litre = 1 kg), or not accounting for a second layer of clothing on cold mountain flights. This calculator makes every component visible so nothing is forgotten.
Where in the Range Should You Fly?
The optimal position in the certified weight range depends on conditions and experience:
- 60–80% through the range — ideal for most recreational flying and thermalling. The wing is responsive without being demanding, and has a good margin from the maximum.
- Below 40% (low-loaded) — the wing behaves sluggishly, is less efficient in wind, and can be more prone to collapses in turbulence. Controls feel vague and the wing can "boat" in pitch.
- Above 90% or over max (high-loaded) — the wing is faster and more agile but incidents happen quickly and height loss in a collapse is greater. Flying above the maximum invalidates certification.
Wing Loading Explained
Wing loading (kg/m²) = Total Flying Weight ÷ flat wing area. For solo paragliders a typical value is around 3–4 kg/m². A higher wing loading increases trim speed, improves penetration in headwinds, and makes the wing more responsive — but reduces the margin for error in turbulence. A lower loading gives a slower, gentler wing but sacrifices wind performance.
Note: manufacturers use the flat (plan-form) area, not the projected area. Use the flat area from the technical data sheet; projected area is typically 5–10% smaller.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does PTV stand for in paragliding?
PTV stands for Poids Total au Décollage (French for Total Takeoff Weight). It is identical to TFW (Total Flying Weight) and AUW (All-Up Weight) — all three terms describe the same quantity: the sum of every kilogram that leaves the ground with the pilot. The term varies by country and manufacturer; French and Belgian brands typically use PTV, while British and Australian schools often say AUW or TFW.
Does the wing's own weight count in the certified range?
Yes. The manufacturer's certified weight range already assumes the wing's own weight is included in the payload the wing must carry. You must add the wing's weight to your personal + gear weight when calculating TFW. This calculator includes a wing weight field for that purpose.
Should I use flat area or projected area for wing loading?
Always use the flat (plan-form) area published in the technical specifications — not the projected area (which is the footprint of the wing when in flight). The flat area is what EN 926 certification references and what manufacturers use in their published data. Projected area is typically 5–10% smaller than flat area, so using it would overstate your wing loading.
How much do paragliding reserve parachutes weigh?
Most round and square/steerable reserves for solo pilots weigh between 1.3 kg and 2.5 kg depending on size and construction. Lightweight/ultralight reserves start around 1.1 kg. Check your reserve's technical documentation for the exact figure; the weight printed in the manual is without the bag, so add the deployment bag (typically 0.1–0.3 kg) if appropriate.
Can I add ballast water to get into a better position in the range?
Yes — some harnesses include ballast bladder pockets specifically for this purpose. Pilots flying at the low end of a range may add 1–3 kg of water ballast to improve handling and speed. Water weighs exactly 1 kg per litre, making it easy to calculate. The same water can be drunk during flight, reducing TFW over time — something to consider on long XC flights.
What is the EN 926 standard?
EN 926 is the European standard governing paraglider certification. EN 926-1 covers structural strength (load testing to 8G), and EN 926-2 covers flight performance and handling. A wing certified to EN 926 has been tested at the minimum and maximum of its published weight range. Flying outside that range means the certification results no longer apply. See BHPA.co.uk and the European Committee for Standardization for full details.