Crosswind Calculator

Find the angle between the wind direction and the runway heading, then multiply the wind speed by the sine of that angle. The headwind component is the wind speed multiplied by the cosine of the same angle. For example, runway 35 with wind 310° at 15 kt gives a 40° angle: 15 × sin 40° ≈ 9.6 kt crosswind and 15 × cos 40° ≈ 11.5 kt headwind.

Yes. The clock method. Treat the angle between wind and runway as minutes on a clock: 15° is a quarter of the wind speed, 30° is half, 45° is three quarters and 60° or more is the full wind speed as crosswind. It slightly overestimates, which keeps you on the safe side.

Check your aircraft flight manual and operator procedures. Many operators compare the gust value against crosswind limits, and add a gust increment to the approach speed. This calculator shows both steady and gust components so you can apply the rule that fits your operation.

For most light aircraft the demonstrated crosswind in the POH/AFM is the value shown during certification, not a structural or operating limit. Your operator, flight school or personal minimums may set lower limits, respect whichever is most restrictive.

Wind in METAR and TAF reports is given in degrees true, while runway numbers, ATIS and tower-reported winds are magnetic. Where magnetic variation is large, convert to the same reference before calculating. When you load an airport here, FL340 uses true runway headings so they match the METAR.

A negative headwind is a tailwind. The calculator labels it as tailwind in red. Most aircraft have a tailwind limit for take-off and landing (often 10 kt for airliners and less for light aircraft), and tailwind lengthens the distance needed.