Crosswind Calculator
Headwind or tailwind and crosswind components for a runway, with a diagram and the worked math. Study aid: always check your aircraft's limitations and the POH/AFM.
Crosswind (steady)
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Head / tailwind (steady)
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Worked calculation
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How it works
- Runway heading. Runway numbers are the magnetic heading rounded to the nearest 10° (21 ≈ 210°, but it could be 205°–214°). Enter the exact heading from the Chart Supplement for precision.
- Same reference. Runway headings are magnetic. METAR/TAF winds are true; convert with the variation ("east is least, west is best": subtract east, add west).
- Angle. The difference between wind direction and runway heading. Crosswind = speed × sin(angle); headwind = speed × cos(angle). A negative headwind is a tailwind.
- Gusts. Components are shown separately for the gust value. The gust must be higher than the steady wind.
Demonstrated crosswind isn't a limit. The "maximum demonstrated crosswind velocity" in many POHs is the value flown during certification testing. It isn't necessarily an operating limitation, unless the AFM lists it as one, and it says nothing about your skill. Use the POH/AFM, your personal minimums and instructor guidance.