Crosswind Calculator
Break wind speed into crosswind and headwind components using the angle to your direction of travel.
This is useful for pilots, airport planning, and any movement where wind direction matters more than wind speed alone.
Result
--
Run the calculation to see the wind components.
| Component | Value |
|---|---|
| Crosswind | -- |
| Headwind / tailwind | -- |
| Angle used | -- |
Quick Answer
Crosswind is the part of the wind blowing across your direction of travel. Headwind is the part that points along your direction of travel. The calculator uses sine and cosine to split the wind into both pieces.
How to Use It
- Enter the wind speed.
- Choose the speed unit you want to display.
- Enter the angle between the wind and your travel direction.
- Click Calculate.
Formula
Crosswind = wind speed x sin(angle)
Headwind = wind speed x cos(angle)
Worked Examples
Example 1: 20 knots at 30 degrees gives 10 knots crosswind and 17.32 knots headwind.
Example 2: 15 mph at 45 degrees gives 10.61 mph crosswind and 10.61 mph headwind.
Example 3: 25 kph at 90 degrees gives 25 kph crosswind and 0 kph headwind.
How to Interpret Your Results
| Output | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Small crosswind | The wind is mostly aligned with your direction of travel. | Usually easier to manage. |
| Large crosswind | The wind is blowing mostly from the side. | Plan for stronger control input or operational limits. |
| Tailwind | The headwind component is negative. | Expect more groundspeed and less stopping margin. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Calculators
References
- OmniCalculator reference page
- The calculator resolves wind into perpendicular and parallel components using trigonometry.
- Last reviewed: March 2026.