Wing loading refers to the measure of how much weight an aircraft's wing must support per unit area. It is typically expressed in pounds per square foot (or kilograms per square meter) and is calculated by dividing the aircraft's weight by the total wing area.

Mathematically, wing loading can be expressed as:

Wing loading is an important parameter in aircraft design and performance. Higher wing loading indicates that more weight is distributed over the wing area, which can lead to higher stall speeds and potentially decreased maneuverability. Conversely, lower wing loading typically results in lower stall speeds and better maneuverability.

In aviation, different types of aircraft (such as gliders, fighter jets, and commercial airliners) have different optimal wing loadings based on their intended purpose and performance requirements. For example, gliders often have low wing loading to maximize lift and stay aloft in weak thermals, while fighter jets may have higher wing loading to achieve faster speeds and better maneuverability in combat situations.