Crosswind Component

Split the wind into head/tail and crosswind components from runway heading, wind direction and speed — with a live wind diagram and an against-the-limit verdict.

Calculator Aviation Updated Jun 14, 2026
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Learn how this works
How to Use
  1. Enter the runway magnetic heading (runway 09 = 90°, runway 27 = 270°).
  2. Enter the direction the wind is coming FROM and its speed.
  3. Set your aircraft's max demonstrated crosswind to check against the limit.
  4. Read the crosswind / headwind split and the live wind diagram.
  5. Cross-check airspeeds with the Airspeed Calculator.
Inputs
Presets
Typical max demonstrated crosswind — tap to set
Cessna 15212 kt
Cessna 17215 kt
Piper PA-28 Cherokee17 kt
Cirrus SR2220 kt
Diamond DA4020 kt
Boeing 73733 kt
Wind components
—
kt crosswind
—
—
Headwind
—
Crosswind
—
Angle off

Show Work

Enter values to see the step-by-step calculation.

Formulas

Angle off
θ = wind_dir − runway_hdg (signed, −180…180°)
Headwind
W · cos(θ) — positive = head, negative = tail
Crosswind
W · sin(θ) — positive = from the right
Limit check
crosswind vs the AFM max demonstrated value

About the Crosswind Component

Use the Crosswind Component — a free, easy tool for flight planning and aircraft performance. Nothing is uploaded, and you do not need an account. Split the wind into head/tail and crosswind components from runway heading, wind direction and speed — with a live wind diagram and an against-the-limit verdict.

How it works

Put each value in its box and read the answer as you go. Because it recalculates live, you can play with the inputs to see how each one moves the result — handy for checking your own working or planning ahead. Everything happens on your device, so it is fast and private.

Want the deeper story? The Knowledge Base explains the ideas behind the tools in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use the Crosswind Component?

Just type your numbers. The answer shows up right away — there is no button to press. Change anything and it updates by itself.

Do I need to install or sign up for anything?

Not at all — it runs in the browser with nothing to install and no account. After it loads once, it even works without an internet connection.

Is my information private?

Yes. Everything happens in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to a server or saved anywhere.

Common Use Cases

Check your work

Worked it out yourself? Use the Crosswind Component to make sure your answer is right.

Learn while you do it

Seeing what you put in and what comes out helps you understand how they fit together.

Get an answer fast

Type what you have and get the answer in seconds — on a phone, tablet, or computer.

No data leaves your browser

The tool runs locally, so whatever you enter stays with you and only you.

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