Crosswind Calculator
Wind direction and speed versus your runway → exact crosswind and headwind components. Know it before you line up.
How crosswind components are calculated
The wind's angle to the runway splits it into two parts: the headwind component (along the runway) and the crosswind component (across it). With the angle between wind and runway heading:
- Crosswind = wind speed × sin(angle)
- Headwind = wind speed × cos(angle) — negative means a tailwind
Enter your runway number (e.g. 24) and the tool uses its heading (240°). Compare the crosswind result against your aircraft's maximum demonstrated crosswind and your own personal minimums.
FAQ
Is the maximum demonstrated crosswind a limit?
For most light aircraft it's not a regulatory limit, but it's the most that was demonstrated during certification — a strong reference point. Your personal minimum should usually be at or below it.
Can it pull live wind and runways automatically?
That's coming soon — a version that fills in live wind and your airport's real runways from current weather. For now, enter them manually.