Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator
Fill in the values and the answer updates as you type.
How the Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator works
Let a be the angle between the wind direction and the runway heading. Crosswind = wind speed × sin(a) and headwind = wind speed × cos(a). A negative headwind is a tailwind. Compare the result with the demonstrated crosswind figure in your aircraft manual and your own limits, and use the gust speed for a safe margin. Runway heading is the magnetic heading, such as 90 for runway 09. Example: with Runway heading 90 °, Wind direction (from) 130 °, Wind speed 18 kt, and Gust speed 25 kt, the result is Crosswind component (kt) = 11.6; Headwind component (kt, negative = tailwind) = 13.8; Crosswind in gusts (kt) = 16.1.
Inputs and results
The Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator takes 4 inputs and gives 5 results.
What you enter
- Runway heading (°) — starts at 90.
- Wind direction (from) (°) — starts at 130.
- Wind speed (kt) — starts at 18.
- Gust speed (kt) — starts at 25.
What you get
- Crosswind component (kt)
- Headwind component (kt, negative = tailwind)
- Crosswind in gusts (kt)
- Wind angle to runway (°)
- Crosswind from
Example: Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator with the starting values
With runway heading 90 °, wind direction (from) 130 °, wind speed 18 kt and gust speed 25 kt, the calculator returns:
| Crosswind component (kt) | 11.6 |
|---|---|
| Headwind component (kt, negative = tailwind) | 13.8 |
| Crosswind in gusts (kt) | 16.1 |
| Wind angle to runway (°) | 40 |
| Crosswind from | The right |
Change any value above and the results update straight away.
Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator FAQ
How do I use the Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator?
Enter runway heading, wind direction (from), wind speed and gust speed in the fields, then read crosswind component (kt), headwind component (kt, negative = tailwind), crosswind in gusts (kt) and wind angle to runway (°) in the result panel. The answer updates as you type, and you can press Calculate or Enter to refresh it. Use “Copy link” to share your exact numbers with someone else.
What does the Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator calculate?
Split wind into crosswind and headwind parts for a runway. It returns crosswind component (kt), headwind component (kt, negative = tailwind), crosswind in gusts (kt) and wind angle to runway (°) from the 4 values you provide.
What values does the Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator start with?
It opens with runway heading 90 °, wind direction (from) 130 °, wind speed 18 kt and gust speed 25 kt so you can see a working result straight away. Replace them with your own numbers, or press Reset to return to these starting values.
Is the Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator free and private?
Yes. It is free, needs no account, and runs in your browser, so nothing you type is sent to or stored on our servers. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Can I rely on the Crosswind and Headwind Component Calculator for important decisions?
Treat the result as a well-rounded estimate. Real situations often have details a general calculator cannot know, so confirm important decisions with a qualified professional. See the Disclaimer for more.