How To Build A Bottle Rocket (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Make A Rocket Bottle » How To Build A Bottle Rocket (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Make a Bottle Rocket at Home PDF download Download Article Two different kinds of bottle rocket designs to soar into the sky Co-authored by Jessie Antonellis-John and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Simple Rocket
    • |
  • Launching Your Rocket
    • |
  • Double-Bottle Rocket
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Jessie Antonellis-John and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Jessie Antonellis-John is a Math and Science Instructor who teaches at Southwestern Oregon Community College. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in curriculum development. Jessie earned her PhD in Teaching & Teacher Education from the University of Arizona, her Master of Education from Western Governors University, and her BS in Astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College. She’s also co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles in professional publications. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 2,190,452 times.

You’re never too young to be an astronaut! You might not be making a trip to the moon for a few more years, but you can launch your very own rocket right in your backyard. We’ll show you how to build and launch a simple bottle rocket out of supplies you have at home. Then, we’ll show you how to make a slightly more advanced rocket that’ll fly even higher. Put on your safety goggles and prepare for liftoff!

Build a Bottle Rocket Step 11

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Making a Simple Bottle Rocket

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 1 Roll a piece of construction paper into a cone and cover it with duct tape. Roll the construction paper along the long edge, overlapping the corners to form a cone shape. Use a piece of duct tape to secure the cone so that it doesn’t unroll. Then, cover the rest of the cone in duct tape to make it more durable. This is the nose of your rocket, which will make it more aerodynamic, helping it fly farther.
    • To make your rocket a bit safer, tape one half of a plastic egg over the tip of the cone, which gives it a blunt tip that won’t hurt anyone when it falls.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 2 Tape the nose cone to the bottom of a 2-liter (68 fl oz) soda bottle. Position the cone over the base of the bottle, then use duct tape to fix it in place. Do your best to tape it onto the bottle as straight as possible, taking care not to make it crooked, which might make it so that the rocket doesn’t fly as straight. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 3 Cut out 4 cardboard triangles and tape them around the center of the bottle. Use scissors to cut triangles out of cardboard, making each triangle about 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 7 inches (18 cm) long. These are the fins of the rocket, which stabilize it in the air. Then, use duct tape to attach the fins around the nozzle of the bottle, so that they point toward the cone. Place a bit of duct tape on either side of each fin, and evenly space them around the bottle.
    • To make sure your rocket can stand on its own when you launch it, attach the fins so that they extend about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) past the nozzle of the bottle.
    • To help you evenly space the fins, tape the first fin anywhere around the nozzle of the rocket. Then tape the second fin on the opposite side of the bottle. Tape your third fin between those two, and the fourth fin opposite the third fin.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 4 Tape Play-Doh or clay around the nozzle of the bottle to add weight. Roll a bit of clay into a log about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick, then wrap it around the bottle’s nozzle and use duct tape to secure it in place. This the is the “ballast” of the rocket, which adds weight that helps stabilize the rocket.
    • Alternatively, tape 5-10 quarters or other coins around the nozzle of the bottle to add weight.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 5 Fill the bottle halfway with water. Pour about 1 liter (0.26 US gal) of water into the bottle. When you launch your rocket, you’ll pump air into the inside with a bicycle pump. Then, the water will trap the air inside until the bottle can’t hold any more air. The pressure pushes all the water out the bottom, providing enough force to launch the rocket![1]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 6 Poke a hole through a cork and place the cork in the bottle’s nozzle. Use a nail to make a small hole through the center of a cork. Hold the nail with pliers to avoid injuring yourself. Then, stuff the cork into the nozzle of the bottle.[2] Make sure not to cover the cork’s hole with tape, though.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Launching Your Rocket

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 1 Insert the needle of a bicycle pump into the hole in the cork. Use a standing bicycle pump, the kind that has a lever you push down on to inflate a tire. Screw the needle attachment to the nozzle of the pump, then push the needle into the hole in the cork of your bottle rocket.[3]
  2. Step 2 Stand the rocket on its fins on a flat surface. 2 Stand the rocket on its fins on a flat surface. Find a level surface, like a sidewalk or the asphalt of a parking lot, to launch your rocket. Or, launch it in the center of a yard or a park, laying down a piece of cardboard for a flat surface. With the bike pump attached to the cork, stand the rocket upright, using its fins to keep it steady.[4]
    • Make sure there’s nobody else around when you launch the rocket to avoid hurting someone when it falls back down to earth. Also make sure there are no windows or breakable objects nearby.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 3 Quickly pump the lever of the bike pump to shoot your rocket. Stand next to the bike pump and work the lever up and down rapidly to fill the rocket with air. Watch the bubbles rise through the water inside the rocket, adding pressure to the inside. Keep pumping until the rocket gathers enough pressure and achieves liftoff![5]
    • The water will shoot out everywhere when the bottle rocket takes off, so be prepared to get a bit wet.
    • Your rocket blasts off because the force off the water and air exiting through the nozzle pushes it off the ground.
    • Be cautious once you start pumping and do not approach the rocket, even if it appears that nothing is happening with the launch, as this can lead to injury.
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Making a Double-Bottle Rocket

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 1 Grab two 2-liter (68 fl oz) bottles and cut off the cap end of one bottle. Use scissors or a box cutter to remove the top ⅓ of a plastic bottle. Work slowly and carefully to make sure you don’t hurt yourself, and that the cut is as neat as possible. Cut a soda bottle that’s slightly larger than the second, intact bottle so that you can tape them together later.[6] Keep your second 2-liter (68 fl oz) bottle intact.
    • Cutting off the cap end of the bottle will make the rocket more aerodynamic and durable. A rounded end is also softer so it will do less damage to any objects if the rocket hits something when it lands.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 2 Stuff clay or newspaper into the cut bottle to add weight. Place a golf-ball sized wad of clay or Play-Doh into the bottom of the cut bottle. Or, wad up a few pages of newspaper and place it in the bottom of the bottle. This is the ballast of your rocket, which will add weight and help the rocket stay stable in the air. Secure the ballast inside the bottle with duct tape.
    • Or, pour 10-12 pennies into the bottom of the cut bottle as your ballast, and hold them in place with duct tape.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 3 Place the intact bottle inside the cut bottle and tape them together. Insert the bottom of the intact bottle into the opening of the cut bottle that holds the ballast. Make sure the bottles overlap by about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm), then secure them together by wrapping a generous amount duct tape around where they meet.[7]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 4 Cut 4 triangles out of cardboard and fix them to the bottles with duct tape. Use scissors to cut out 4 triangles that are 4 inches (10 cm) wide and 7 inches (18 cm) long. Then, secure them around the taped-together bottles, toward the nozzle, with duct tape, making sure they’re evenly spaced. These are the fins of your rocket, which will make it fly straighter through the air.[8]
    • To make sure your rocket can stand on its own when you launch it, attach the fins so that they extend about 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) past the nozzle of the rocket.
  5. Step 5 Fill the intact bottle halfway with water. 5 Fill the intact bottle halfway with water. Add 1 litre (34  fl oz) of water to the bottle. You’ll launch your rocket by pumping it full of air with a bike pump. The water will trap the air inside until the bottle can’t hold anymore air. The pressure will pop the cork off the end and shoot the water down at the ground, propelling the rocket into the air.[9]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Build a Bottle Rocket 6 Poke a small hole in a cork and insert the cork into the bottle’s nozzle. Use a nail to make a hole through the center of a cork. Wear gloves or use pliers to hold the nail to avoid injuring yourself. Then, squeeze the cork into the nozzle of the bottle. Make sure it’s secure![10]
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I make a Mentos soda bottle rocket? Jessie Antonellis-John Jessie Antonellis-John Math and Science Instructor Jessie Antonellis-John is a Math and Science Instructor who teaches at Southwestern Oregon Community College. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in curriculum development. Jessie earned her PhD in Teaching & Teacher Education from the University of Arizona, her Master of Education from Western Governors University, and her BS in Astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College. She’s also co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles in professional publications. Jessie Antonellis-John Jessie Antonellis-John Math and Science Instructor Expert Answer To make a Mentos soda bottle rocket, you'll need a two-liter soda bottle, a roll of Mentos candies, and a piece of paper. First, carefully open the soda bottle and drink or pour out some of the soda to create space. Roll the paper into a tube and fill it with Mentos candies. Quickly drop the Mentos-filled tube into the soda bottle, screw the cap on tightly, turn the bottle upside down, and place it on a flat surface. Once you're ready for the launch, unscrew the cap, and the reaction between the Mentos and soda will create a fizzy eruption, propelling the bottle into the air. Make sure to do this outdoors and wear protective gear. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 14 Helpful 16
  • Question Is this safe for school? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. In fact, bottle rockets are a common school science project! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 440 Helpful 1151
  • Question What kind of bottle do I have to use? Community Answer Community Answer A good type of bottle would just be a regular 1L soda bottle such as a Coke bottle. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 326 Helpful 629
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. icon $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

  • Wear safety goggles or other eye protection when you launch your rocket. Good science requires proper safety! Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
  • Have an adult help you use any sharp tools like scissors or box cutters to avoid injury. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 2
Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Simple Bottle Rocket

  • 2-liter (68 fl oz) plastic bottle
  • construction paper
  • Duct tape
  • Cardboard
  • Clay
  • Cork
  • Nail

Launching Your Rocket

  • Standing bike pump and needle attachment

Double-Bottle Rocket

  • 2-liter (68 fl oz) plastic bottle (x2)
  • Duct tape
  • Clay
  • Cork
  • Nail

You Might Also Like

Make a Water RocketHow toMake a Water Rocket Make a Powerful Air Pressure RocketHow toMake a Powerful Air Pressure Rocket Make a Baking Soda and Vinegar RocketHow toMake a Baking Soda and Vinegar Rocket Make a Far Flying Paper RocketHow to Make a DIY Paper Rocket That Flies Far Make a Simple RocketHow toMake a Simple Rocket Make a Paper RocketHow toMake a Paper Rocket Make a RocketHow toMake a Rocket Make a Grenade LauncherHow toMake a Grenade Launcher Make a Mini RocketHow toMake a Mini Rocket Make a Rocket With a Paper Towel TubeHow toMake a Rocket With a Paper Towel Tube Make a Diet Coke and Mentos RocketHow toMake a Diet Coke and Mentos Rocket Make a Match RocketHow toMake a Match Rocket Make a Water Gun with a Water BottleHow toMake a Water Gun with a Water Bottle Make a Bottle BombHow toMake a Bottle Bomb Advertisement

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about model rockets, check out our in-depth interview with Jessie Antonellis-John.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/science-at-home/diy-science-fun/build-a-bottle-rocket
  2. ↑ https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/science-at-home/diy-science-fun/build-a-bottle-rocket
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii6D1R6lXVA&t=223s
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii6D1R6lXVA&t=239s
  5. ↑ https://youtu.be/ii6D1R6lXVA?t=244
  6. ↑ Jessie Antonellis-John. Math and Science Instructor. Expert Interview
  7. ↑ https://www.lakemills.k12.wi.us/faculty/CPage/Water%20rocket%20resource%206.pdf
  8. ↑ https://www.teachengineering.org/activities/view/ucd_bottlerockets_activity1
  9. ↑ https://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/science-at-home/diy-science-fun/build-a-bottle-rocket
More References (1)
  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9chebyepOdo&t=71s

About This Article

Jessie Antonellis-John Co-authored by: Jessie Antonellis-John Math and Science Instructor This article was co-authored by Jessie Antonellis-John and by wikiHow staff writer, Luke Smith, MFA. Jessie Antonellis-John is a Math and Science Instructor who teaches at Southwestern Oregon Community College. With over 10 years of experience, she specializes in curriculum development. Jessie earned her PhD in Teaching & Teacher Education from the University of Arizona, her Master of Education from Western Governors University, and her BS in Astrophysics from Mount Holyoke College. She’s also co-authored several peer-reviewed journal articles in professional publications. This article has been viewed 2,190,452 times. 112 votes - 69% Co-authors: 266 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 2,190,452 Categories: Featured Articles | Model Rockets Article SummaryX

To build a bottle rocket, start by rolling a piece of paper into a cone and covering the outside of it with duct tape. Then, attach the cone to the bottom of an empty plastic bottle and cut out 4 cardboard triangles to make your rocket's fins. Attach the cardboard to the bottle and then fill up the bottle with water. Once you've done that, poke a hole in a cork and plug the opening of the bottle with it. Finally, attach a bicycle pump valve to the cork. To learn how to launch your bottle rocket, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Portuguese Dutch French Russian Chinese Indonesian Korean Arabic Japanese Vietnamese Turkish Hindi Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,190,452 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Mike Blair

    Mike Blair

    Aug 12, 2022

    "With as dry as the midwest has been, it would have been a bad idea to use class C motors (fire hazard), so using a..." more Rated this article:
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Jessie Antonellis-John Co-authored by: Jessie Antonellis-John Math and Science Instructor 112 votes - 69% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 266 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 2,190,452 Mike Blair

Mike Blair

Aug 12, 2022

"With as dry as the midwest has been, it would have been a bad idea to use class C motors (fire hazard), so using a..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

May 22, 2018

"I had a science project to do at school and I wanted to do a rocket that flies but when I searched it up there was..." more Rated this article: Anonymous

Anonymous

Jan 20, 2020

"I made this rocket after 4 failed attempts at using other websites, so wikiHow was my last resort, and it worked..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Oct 13, 2016

"I needed a little help with a school project and this gave me a brilliant idea on the project so it helped a lot...." more Sam Tucket

Sam Tucket

May 29, 2017

"We were trying to make a rocket for engineering class. I had no idea about how the parts of rocket fit together...." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Is Your Outer Space Personality Type QuizWhat Is Your Outer Space Personality Type QuizTake QuizQuick IQ TestQuick IQ TestTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizHow Lucky Am I QuizTake QuizThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionThe Potion Game: Brew The Perfect PotionPlayAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizAm I Smarter than a 5th Grader QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make a Water RocketHow toMake a Water RocketMake a Powerful Air Pressure RocketHow toMake a Powerful Air Pressure RocketMake a Baking Soda and Vinegar RocketHow toMake a Baking Soda and Vinegar RocketMake a Far Flying Paper RocketHow to Make a DIY Paper Rocket That Flies Far

Trending Articles

What Emojis Mean Sex?What Emojis Mean Sex?100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-Esteem100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemType A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality TestKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect KissKissing Tips: The wikiHow Guide to the Perfect KissTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses Explained

Watch Articles

Calculate the Volume of a PyramidHow toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)The Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)Save Money as a KidHow toSave Money as a KidPolish AluminumHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window Treatments Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPointHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint

Trending Articles

Are You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsAre You Unc? Discover How Old Your Vibe IsWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizWhat's My Hottest Feature QuizGen Beta Slang QuizGen Beta Slang Quiz24 Different Types of Bras Explained24 Different Types of Bras Explained Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)How to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?

Quizzes & Games

The Impossible QuizThe Impossible QuizTake QuizIQ Test For KidsIQ Test For KidsTake QuizHow Much Do I Know About Space QuizHow Much Do I Know About Space QuizTake QuizWhich Type of Water Bottle Am I?Which Type of Water Bottle Am I?Take QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Fireworks
  • Model Rockets
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --573

Tag » How To Make A Rocket Bottle