Is my drone over 250g?

Use the drone's takeoff weight, including the battery, camera, prop guards, and any accessories. A drone that weighs 250g (0.55 lb) or more at takeoff must be registered with the FAA for recreational flying. Drones under 250g do not need recreational registration.

Does the DJI Mini 4 Pro need to be registered?

The DJI Mini 4 Pro is typically around 249g with its standard battery, which is below the 250g recreational threshold. However, adding a larger battery or prop guards can push it over 250g. If it exceeds 250g at takeoff, it must be registered for recreational use.

Do accessories count toward the 250g drone weight limit?

Yes. The FAA rule is based on the drone's weight at takeoff, including the battery, camera, propeller guards, and any other accessories you have installed. The weight printed on the box may not include these items.

Drone Weight Checker

Check your drone's takeoff weight against the FAA 250g registration limit.

This is about start weight, not the box weight. The FAA limit applies to the drone as you fly it: battery, camera, prop guards, and all accessories installed. Always weigh your actual setup before deciding.

Search your drone model

Weights are based on manufacturer specs with the standard battery. Verify with your actual takeoff setup.

Why 250g matters for FAA registration

The Federal Aviation Administration uses 250 grams (about 0.55 pounds) as the cutoff for recreational drone registration. If your drone weighs 250g or more at takeoff, you must register it with the FAA before you fly. Registration costs $5 and is valid for three years.

The important word is takeoff weight. The number on the box is often the bare airframe, or the drone with a standard battery but no accessories. Your real takeoff weight includes everything that leaves the ground: the battery you are using, the camera or gimbal, any propeller guards, landing gear, ND filters, and anything else mounted on the drone.

What counts toward the 250g limit?

The drone airframe itself
The installed battery (a larger battery usually weighs more)
Camera, gimbal, and lens accessories
Propeller guards and landing gear
SD cards, mounts, antennas, and decals (small, but can add up)

What does not count?

The remote controller and the carrying case stay on the ground, so they do not count. Only the drone as it is in the air matters for the FAA rule.

Many popular "sub-250g" drones, such as the DJI Mini 4 Pro and DJI Flip, are right on the edge. Adding a larger battery or prop guards can push them over 250g. If you are close to the limit, weigh your actual setup on a kitchen scale or postal scale and enter the number in the manual tab above.

For commercial or business flights, the 250g rule does not help: every drone must be registered under Part 107 regardless of weight. You can double-check with our registration decision tool.

Frequently asked questions

Is my drone over 250g?: Use the drone's takeoff weight, including the battery, camera, prop guards, and any accessories. A drone that weighs 250g (0.55 lb) or more at takeoff must be registered with the FAA for recreational flying. Drones under 250g do not need recreational registration.
Does the DJI Mini 4 Pro need to be registered?: The DJI Mini 4 Pro is typically around 249g with its standard battery, which is below the 250g recreational threshold. However, adding a larger battery or prop guards can push it over 250g. If it exceeds 250g at takeoff, it must be registered for recreational use.
Do accessories count toward the 250g drone weight limit?: Yes. The FAA rule is based on the drone's weight at takeoff, including the battery, camera, propeller guards, and any other accessories you have installed. The weight printed on the box may not include these items.