🛬 Crosswind Calculator
Enter wind speed, wind direction, and runway heading to calculate the crosswind and headwind components for takeoff or landing planning.
What is a crosswind component?
When wind doesn’t blow straight down a runway, pilots split it into two parts: the headwind (or tailwind) component that acts along the runway, and the crosswind component that acts across it. Crosswind is the more limiting factor for takeoff and landing, since most aircraft have a maximum demonstrated crosswind limit.
How this calculator works
First the angle between the wind direction and the runway heading is found (Angle = Wind Direction − Runway Heading). Then: Crosswind = Wind Speed × sin(Angle), and Headwind = Wind Speed × cos(Angle). A positive headwind value means wind down the runway (favorable); a negative value indicates a tailwind.
Wind direction is entered as the compass direction the wind is blowing from, and runway heading as the runway’s magnetic heading (e.g. Runway 25 has a heading of about 250°), matching standard aviation convention.
This tool is for general planning and educational reference only and does not replace official weather briefings, aircraft flight manuals, or air traffic control guidance.