Crosswind Calculator
Calculate crosswind, headwind, and tailwind components for aviation and transportation
Wind Component Calculator
Runway direction (1-36, e.g., 9 = 090°, 27 = 270°)
Magnetic direction wind is coming from (0-360°)
Current wind speed magnitude
Angle between wind direction and runway heading
Wind Components
Runway Heading: 90° (Runway 09)
Formulas: Crosswind = Wind Speed × sin(-90.0°), Headwind = Wind Speed × cos(-90.0°)
Note: Crosswind limits vary by aircraft type - consult your aircraft manual
Crosswind Analysis
Example Calculation
Landing Scenario
Runway: 27 (270° heading)
Wind: 300° at 15 knots
Wind Angle: 300° - 270° = 30°
Crosswind: 15 × sin(30°) = 7.5 knots
Headwind: 15 × cos(30°) = 13.0 knots
Takeoff Scenario
Runway: 09 (090° heading)
Wind: 360° at 20 knots
Wind Angle: 360° - 90° = 270° = -90°
Crosswind: 20 × sin(-90°) = 20 knots
Headwind: 20 × cos(-90°) = 0 knots
Runway Reference
North
360° / 000° Magnetic
East
090° Magnetic
South
180° Magnetic
West
270° Magnetic
Aviation Tips
Crosswind component affects aircraft control during landing and takeoff
Headwind reduces ground speed but increases performance
Tailwind increases ground speed but reduces performance
Always check aircraft limitations for maximum crosswind component
Understanding Wind Components
What are Wind Components?
Wind components are the breakdown of wind into directional forces relative to an aircraft's movement. Understanding these components is crucial for safe aviation operations, especially during takeoff and landing.
Types of Wind Components
- •Crosswind: Wind blowing across the aircraft's path
- •Headwind: Wind blowing against the aircraft's direction
- •Tailwind: Wind blowing with the aircraft's direction
Calculation Formulas
Crosswind = Wind Speed × sin(angle)
Headwind/Tailwind = Wind Speed × cos(angle)
- Angle: Difference between wind direction and runway heading
- Positive crosswind: Wind from the right side
- Negative crosswind: Wind from the left side
- Positive headwind/tailwind: Headwind (against movement)
- Negative headwind/tailwind: Tailwind (with movement)
Safety Note: Always consult your aircraft's operating manual for maximum crosswind limitations. Typical light aircraft limits range from 10-20 knots.