Crosswind calculator
Work out the headwind, tailwind and crosswind components for any runway. Enter the wind yourself, or load the current METAR and runways for an airport.
How it works
The angle between the wind and the runway decides how the wind splits:
crosswind = speed × sin(angle) · headwind = speed × cos(angle)
A rule of thumb: at 30° off the runway the crosswind is half the wind speed, at 45° about 70%, and from 60° almost all of it. Check gusts against your limit as well, not only the mean wind.
METAR and TAF winds are in degrees true. ATIS and tower winds are magnetic, as are runway numbers, so mix them only where the magnetic variation is small. A runway number like 27 is treated as 270°.
Frequently asked questions
How do you calculate the crosswind component?
Crosswind = wind speed × sin(angle between wind and runway). Headwind = wind speed × cos(angle). With wind 270° at 20 kt on runway 24 (240°) the angle is 30°, so the crosswind is 10 kt and the headwind about 17 kt.
What is a quick rule of thumb for crosswind?
At 30° off the runway the crosswind is about half the wind speed, at 45° about 70%, and at 60° or more almost all of it. Use the calculator for exact values.
Should I use the gust or the mean wind for my crosswind limit?
Check both. The gust crosswind component is often what exceeds the limit. Many operators and flight schools apply the crosswind limit to the gust value.
Is METAR wind true or magnetic?
METAR and TAF winds are in degrees true. ATIS and tower winds are magnetic, like runway numbers. Where the magnetic variation is large, convert before comparing.
What is the maximum demonstrated crosswind?
It is the highest crosswind component at which the aircraft was shown to be controllable during certification, listed in the flight manual. It is not necessarily a legal limit, but most pilots and operators treat it as one.