How to use this calculator
- Enter wind speed. Use the steady reported wind speed.
- Enter gust speed. Use the gust value, or match steady wind if there is no gust.
- Enter directions. Use wind direction and runway heading in the same reference.
- Read components. Compare crosswind and tailwind components with applicable limits.
How it works
The wind angle is the smallest angle between wind direction and runway heading. The components are crosswind = Vw x sin(theta) and headwind = Vw x cos(theta).
Continue with climb gradient, glide distance and density altitude.
Worked example
Verified against the live calculator
Wind 230 at 12 kt for runway 18 gives a 50 degree wind angle, about 9.2 kt crosswind and 7.7 kt headwind.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate crosswind component?
Crosswind component is wind speed times sine of the angle between wind direction and runway heading.
How do you calculate headwind component?
Headwind component is wind speed times cosine of the same angle. A negative value is reported as tailwind instead.
What should I enter for gust speed?
Enter the reported gust speed. If no gust is reported, set gust speed equal to wind speed.
Should headings be true or magnetic?
Use the same reference for wind direction and runway heading. Do not mix true and magnetic values.
Method & assumptions
- Uses simple trigonometric component resolution.
- Does not decide runway suitability; aircraft, pilot, gust, runway condition and operator limits still control.