Crosswind Component Calculator

About this calculator

This calculator resolves reported wind speed and direction into two components relative to a runway heading: the crosswind component (perpendicular to the runway, = wind speed × sine of the angle between wind and runway) and the headwind/tailwind component (parallel to the runway, = wind speed × cosine of that angle).

Pilots and student pilots use it during preflight planning and before landing to check that the crosswind stays within their own or the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit, and flight instructors use it to teach wind triangle concepts. Enter the runway heading and the wind's reported direction and speed to get both components.