Knots to MPH Calculator
Knots → mph.
Open →
Aviation
Crosswind Calculator
Get the crosswind and headwind components from runway heading and wind.
Crosswind component
—
Across the runway.
| Head/tailwind | — |
|---|---|
| Wind angle | — |
| From the | — |
| Wind | — |
Show our math
Enter your figures above to see the step-by-step working.
Everything computed client-sideEverything computed client-side — nothing leaves this page
How the Crosswind Calculator Works
When wind doesn’t blow straight down the runway, part of it pushes across (the crosswind component) and part blows along it (the head- or tailwind component). Split them with trigonometry: crosswind = wind speed × sin(angle) and headwind = wind speed × cos(angle), where the angle is between the wind and the runway heading.
Enter the runway heading, wind direction and wind speed and this calculator gives the crosswind component (and which side it’s from) plus the head- or tailwind, so you can compare against your aircraft’s crosswind limit.
crosswind = wind × sin(angle) · headwind = wind × cos(angle)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate the crosswind component?
Multiply the wind speed by the sine of the angle between the wind and the runway heading. At 30° off, a 15-knot wind gives a 7.5-knot crosswind.
What is the headwind component?
Wind speed times the cosine of the same angle. A positive value is a headwind; negative is a tailwind.
Why does crosswind matter?
Every aircraft has a maximum demonstrated crosswind. Exceeding it makes the landing or take-off unsafe.
More From The Desk
Same plain method, different figuresNautical Miles to Miles Calculator
Nautical → statute miles.
Open →Density Altitude Calculator
Performance altitude.
Open →Pressure Altitude Calculator
Altitude at 29.92.
Open →True Airspeed Calculator
CAS → TAS.
Open →