Online Tool Store
Crosswind Component Calculator
Enter runway heading and wind direction/speed to compute the headwind and crosswind components for a quick preflight reference. Runs entirely in your browser.
🔒 This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your files are never uploaded to a server.
Example
Crosswind Component Calculator
- Runway heading
- 270°
- Wind
- 220° at 18kt
Example shown — replace it with your own runway heading and wind.
Result
How it works
- Enter the runway heading and the wind direction and speed.
- The tool finds the angle between wind and runway.
- See the resulting headwind and crosswind components.
The formula
The wind vector is split using the angle difference between wind direction and runway heading:
Crosswind = Wind × sin(angle), Headwind = Wind × cos(angle)
FAQ
Why does the angle between runway and wind matter?
The wind's effect splits into a headwind component (helps or hinders takeoff/landing distance) and a crosswind component (pushes sideways) — the angle between them determines the split.
Is this a substitute for official performance charts?
No — always use your aircraft's official POH/AFM crosswind limits for real flight planning. This is a quick reference calculation, not certified data.
What units does it use?
Wind speed in knots and headings in degrees magnetic, matching how METARs and runway headings are typically reported.
How we compare
| Feature | Online Tool Store | E6B flight computer | Mental estimation |
|---|---|---|---|
| No physical tool needed | Yes | No | Yes |
| Precise trigonometric result | Yes | Yes | Rough |
| Free to use | Yes | Tool cost | Free |
For a quick preflight crosswind check, this beats mental estimation and doesn't require carrying an E6B.