Wind Calculator
Calculate crosswind and headwind/tailwind components
Pre-flightApproach & landingDiversion planning
Your crosswind component decides whether you land or go around.
A 15-knot wind at 45° to your runway means 10.6 kt headwind and 10.6 kt crosswind. Miss that calculation and you may exceed your aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit — or flare into a drift that rolls a wheel off the edge.
Input Values
Runway 27 = 270 degrees
degrees
Direction wind is coming FROM
degrees
knots
knots
Enter values above to see results
Wind Component Tips
Headwind: Headwind: Reduces ground speed but shortens takeoff/landing distance. Generally favorable for takeoff and landing.
Tailwind: Tailwind: Increases ground speed but lengthens takeoff/landing distance. Most aircraft POH limit tailwind to 10 knots for takeoff/landing.
Crosswind: Crosswind: Requires correction during takeoff, landing, and taxi. Typical light aircraft limits are 15-20 knots demonstrated crosswind.
Wind Component Formulas
HW = V × cos(θ) XW = V × sin(θ)
HW— Headwind component (kt)
XW— Crosswind component (kt)
V— Wind speed (kt)
θ— Angle between wind direction and runway heading