Crosswind and headwind component calculator
The wind rarely comes straight down the runway. Splitting it into components tells you whether it is within limits.
kt
kt
kt
Crosswind component
11.57kt
- Headwind component Negative is a tailwind.
- 13.79 kt
- Crosswind in the gust
- 16.71 kt
- Headwind in the gust
- 19.92 kt
- Wind angle to the runway
- 40.0 degrees
- Within the demonstrated limit
- 1
- Margin under the limit
- 0.29 kt
- Wind speed that would reach the limit
- 26.4 kt
- There is a tailwind component
- 0
Show the working
- Runway heading = 270
- Wind direction = 310
- Wind speed = 18
- Gusting to = 26
- Demonstrated crosswind limit = 17
- Wind angle to the runway = abs(mod(310 - 270 + 180, 360) - 180) = 40
- Crosswind component = 18 * abs(sin(rad(40))) = 11.5702
- Headwind component = 18 * cos(rad(40)) = 13.7888
- Crosswind in the gust = 26 * abs(sin(rad(40))) = 16.7125
- Headwind in the gust = 26 * cos(rad(40)) = 19.9172
- Within the demonstrated limit = 16.7125 <= 17 ? 1 : 0 = 1
- Margin under the limit = 17 - 16.7125 = 0.287 522
- There is a tailwind component = 13.7888 < 0 ? 1 : 0 = 0
- Wind speed that would reach the limit = abs(sin(rad(40))) > 0 ? 17 / abs(sin(rad(40))) : 0 = 26.4473
Values are shown to six significant figures here; the arithmetic itself runs on exact fractions and is only rounded where a number is printed.
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The formula
- crosswind = wind speed x sin(angle between wind and runway)
- headwind = wind speed x cos(angle)
- at 30 degrees the crosswind is half the wind; at 60 degrees it is 87%
A demonstrated crosswind is what the test pilot achieved, not a certified limit — but treating it as one is sensible.
Always use the gust value for the decision, not the steady wind.
This is a planning and study tool. Use certified charts, an approved flight manual and official publications for anything operational.