Heading Calculator

Solve the wind triangle: wind correction angle, true / magnetic / compass heading and ground speed — with a live compass wind-triangle diagram.

Calculator Aviation Updated Jun 14, 2026
Learn how this works
How to Use
  1. Enter the true course you want to track over the ground and your TAS.
  2. Enter the direction the wind is coming FROM and its speed.
  3. Set magnetic variation (East +, West −) and compass deviation.
  4. Read the heading to fly, ground speed and the live wind-triangle diagram.
  5. Cross-check the wind split with the Crosswind Component tool.
Inputs
Presets
Typical cruise TAS — tap to set
Cessna 15295 kt
Cessna 172120 kt
Piper PA-28 Archer140 kt
Cirrus SR22180 kt
King Air 350250 kt
Boeing 737 (climb)450 kt
Wind triangle
magnetic heading to fly · kt GS
Course Heading (TAS) Wind
Wind corr. angle
Ground speed
Course

Show Work

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

Navigation triangle

WCA
sin(WCA) = (WS · sin(WA)) / TAS
Ground speed
GS = TAS · cos(WCA) − WS · cos(WA)
True heading
TH = TC + WCA
Magnetic heading
MH = TH − Variation
Compass heading
CH = MH ± Deviation
Mnemonic
TVMDC: True → Variation → Magnetic → Deviation → Compass

About the Heading Calculator

Working on flight planning and aircraft performance? The Heading Calculator is a free browser tool that gives you the answer in seconds. Solve the wind triangle: wind correction angle, true / magnetic / compass heading and ground speed — with a live compass wind-triangle diagram.

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 Heading Calculator?

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

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.

Try different numbers

Change one thing and watch the answer change. It is an easy way to compare your choices.

No data leaves your browser

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

Last updated: