Crosswind Calculator
Determine crosswind and headwind/tailwind components in knots to compare against pilot operating handbook limits.
How to Use This Calculator
Set the runway heading
Use the magnetic runway heading (e.g. runway 12 ≈ 120°). For turf strips, use a compass bearing.
Enter the wind direction
METAR and ATIS broadcast wind direction in degrees magnetic. Use the reported “wind from” value.
Add wind speed
Enter the sustained wind or gust factor. Use knots to match flight manuals.
Compare with aircraft limits
Confirm the crosswind component does not exceed the demonstrated or maximum crosswind limit in your POH.
Formula
Crosswind = Wind Speed × sin(θ)
Headwind = Wind Speed × cos(θ)
θ (theta) is the angle between wind direction and runway heading (wind from minus runway).
Example: runway 12 (120°), wind 150° @ 18 kt ⇒ θ = 30°
Crosswind = 18 × sin(30°) = 9 kt → from the right
Headwind = 18 × cos(30°) = 15.6 kt headwind
About the Crosswind Calculator
Crosswinds challenge pilots during takeoff and landing. This calculator distills wind reports into actionable headwind and crosswind components so you can make safe runway choices and brief passengers confidently.
When to Use This Calculator
- Preflight planning: Determine if forecast winds exceed your personal limits.
- Runway selection: Choose the best runway when wind is variable or quartering.
- Training: Practice calculating components before checkrides and currency flights.
- Helicopter operations: Assess winds for confined-area takeoffs and landings.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Quick results: No need for manual charts or rule-of-thumb approximations.
- ✅ Direction-aware: Identifies whether crosswind blows from the left or right.
- ✅ Tailwind warning: Flags tailwind components that can jeopardize performance.
- ✅ Mobile ready: Use on the ramp or in the cockpit before departure.
Common Applications
Pilot training: Reinforce crosswind landing techniques with real numbers.
Flight schools: Brief students on limits and weather go/no-go decisions.
General aviation: Double-check gusty-day conditions before committing to a runway.
Tips for Best Results
- Consider gust factors by recalculating with gust speeds, not just steady winds.
- Use magnetic headings for both runway and wind to remain consistent.
- Recalculate if wind shifts during taxi or holds.
- Apply personal minimums lower than the aircraft limit, especially when rusty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I use runway heading or runway number times 10?
Runway numbers are truncated headings. Multiply the runway number by 10 and adjust if necessary using airport diagrams to get the exact magnetic heading.
Why is my crosswind direction reversed?
Crosswind direction references the side the wind blows from relative to the aircraft nose. Positive values indicate wind pushing the aircraft to the left, requiring right aileron input, and vice versa.
How do gusts factor in?
Calculate components with both steady and gust speeds. Many pilots brief using the gust value to ensure they can handle momentary peaks during touchdown.
Can I use this for helicopters or drones?
Yes. Any operation sensitive to wind direction and magnitude can benefit from crosswind component analysis, including rotorcraft, UAVs, and gliders.