Calculate crosswind, headwind, and tailwind components using runway heading or runway number, wind direction, and wind speed. This free aviation calculator helps pilots evaluate runway wind conditions for takeoff and landing.
Enter runway heading or runway number, wind direction, and wind speed to calculate the wind components affecting the runway.
The calculator also indicates whether the crosswind is from the left or right and whether the runway sees a headwind or tailwind.
Wind rarely lines up perfectly with a runway. Instead, it usually has two components: one acting along the runway and one acting across it. The along-runway component is either a headwind or tailwind, while the across-runway component is the crosswind.
Pilots use these values to evaluate runway suitability, compare the conditions to aircraft limitations, and better understand takeoff and landing performance.
A full crosswind occurs when the wind is 90 degrees to the runway, making the entire wind speed a crosswind component.
A full headwind occurs when the wind is directly aligned with the runway from ahead, making the entire wind speed a headwind component.
Then the along-runway component becomes a tailwind instead of a headwind.
No. This calculator is a planning aid. Always use official weather information, approved aircraft data, and sound operational judgment.