The Cessna 172 load sheet
Choose your model under Aircraft: the 172N, 172P, 172R or 172S. Each template loads that model's limits from the FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A12. Then enter your airplane's empty weight and arm from its weight and balance record, the people and baggage, and the fuel in gallons. The calculator totals the weight and moment, finds the center of gravity, and checks the takeoff and landing points against the envelope, drawn below the table. Save this aircraft keeps your airplane's numbers on this device, and Print load sheet prints the result.
Limits by model
| Model | Maximum weight | Forward CG at maximum weight | Forward CG at 1,950 lb or less | Aft CG | Usable fuel | Baggage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 172N | 2,300 lb | 38.5 in | 35.0 in | 47.3 in | 40 gal | 120 lb at 95 in |
| 172P | 2,400 lb | 39.5 in | 35.0 in | 47.3 in | 40 gal | 120 lb at 95 in |
| 172R | 2,450 lb | 40.0 in | 35.0 in | 47.3 in | 53 gal | 120 lb at 95 in |
| 172S | 2,550 lb | 41.0 in | 35.0 in | 47.3 in | 53 gal | 120 lb in area 1, 50 lb in area 2, 120 lb combined |
All arms are inches aft of the datum, the lower front face of the firewall. Between 1,950 lb and the maximum weight, the forward limit moves aft in a straight line; the calculator interpolates it at your exact weight. Fuel sits at 48 inches in all four; the calculator weighs it at the customary 6 pounds per gallon of avgas. The 172N and 172P figures are for the standard 40-gallon tanks. The 172R and 172S figures are for 53 gallons usable.
The data sheet lists a Lycoming O-320 for the 172N and 172P, and an IO-360-L2A for the 172R, at 160 horsepower, and the 172S, at 180. A 172R modified with Cessna kit MK172-72-01 is rated at 180 horsepower and takes the 172S's weights, CG limits and baggage areas, as its data sheet entry says, so use the 172S template for it.
Filling it in
- Empty airplane. Weight and arm, or weight and moment, from the airplane's current weight and balance record, not from a brochure or another airplane of the same model. Equipment changes alter it.
- Front seats. The data sheet gives only the range the seats travel, 34 to 46 inches, so the calculator starts at 37. Use your POH's arm for where your seat sits.
- Rear seats and baggage. The arms come from the data sheet; the calculator flags baggage over the limit for its area.
- Fuel. Gallons at 6 pounds each and 48 inches. Enter the fuel burned before landing to check the landing point too: as fuel burns, the weight drops and the CG shifts.
A load that is within the maximum weight can still be outside the envelope. In a 172, heavy rear-seat passengers and full baggage move the CG aft, while two heavy front-seat occupants with little else aboard move it forward; the envelope check shows which limit you are close to, and by how much.
Your airplane's own documents come first
The templates are the type's certificated limits, a starting point rather than a substitute for your airplane's paperwork. Many 172s have supplemental type certificates, larger fuel tanks or engine changes that alter their limits and arms. When the POH, its supplements or the airplane's weight and balance record differ from the template, use theirs and edit the fields here. For other airplanes, or to start from a blank sheet, use the general weight and balance calculator, which also includes the Cessna 152, Piper Warrior, Diamond DA 40 and Cirrus SR20.
Checked against FAA Type Certificate Data Sheet 3A12, Revision 80: Models 172N, 172P, 172R and 172S, normal category.
Questions pilots ask
What is the maximum takeoff weight of a Cessna 172?
It depends on the model. The FAA type certificate data sheet gives 2,300 lb for the 172N, 2,400 lb for the 172P, 2,450 lb for the 172R and 2,550 lb for the 172S in the normal category. Some airplanes have had approved modifications since, so the airplane's own POH and weight and balance record have the final word.
What is the Cessna 172 CG range?
For all four models the aft limit is 47.3 inches aft of the datum, the lower front face of the firewall, and the forward limit is 35.0 inches at 1,950 lb or less. Above 1,950 lb the forward limit moves aft in a straight line to 38.5 in at 2,300 lb (172N), 39.5 in at 2,400 lb (172P), 40.0 in at 2,450 lb (172R) or 41.0 in at 2,550 lb (172S).
Where do the seat, baggage and fuel arms come from?
The data sheet gives the rear seats at 73 in, fuel at 48 in, and the baggage limits and arms: 120 lb at 95 in for the 172N, P and R, and two areas for the 172S. For the front seats it gives only their range, 34 to 46 in, so the calculator starts at 37 in; replace it with your POH's arm for your seat position.
Why is the empty weight blank?
Because every airplane's is different. The empty weight and its arm come from the airplane's current weight and balance record, which changes whenever equipment is added or removed. The calculator flags the load as incomplete until you enter them.
Does this cover the utility category?
No. The templates apply the normal-category limits. The utility category, for maneuvers such as spins where approved, has a lower maximum weight and an aft limit of 40.5 in, which the data sheet lists separately.