Holding Pattern Time Calculator
A standard holding pattern is a racetrack of two straight legs joined by two 180 degree turns. At standard rate, each turn takes exactly one minute, so the full circuit time is the sum of the two leg times plus two minutes of turning. This calculator gives the total circuit time and the inbound leg distance from your inbound leg time and true airspeed. The geometry follows FAA Aeronautical Information Manual conventions.
Holding pattern time formula
Total time = inbound leg + outbound leg + 2 * turn time
Inbound distance (nm) = TAS (kt) * inbound leg (sec) / 3,600
A standard rate 180 degree turn takes 60 seconds. With two 1-minute legs and two 1-minute turns, a nil-wind circuit totals 4 minutes.
Holding leg standards
- At or below 14,000 ft: 1-minute inbound leg.
- Above 14,000 ft: 1.5-minute inbound leg.
- Turns at standard rate (3 deg/sec) or 25 degrees bank, whichever needs less bank.
- Outbound leg is adjusted for wind to make the inbound leg hit the target time.
Holding pattern: frequently asked questions
How long is one holding pattern circuit?
A standard holding pattern has two timed straight legs and two 180 degree turns. With standard rate turns (3 degrees per second), each 180 degree turn takes 60 seconds, so a circuit lasts inbound leg time plus outbound leg time plus 2 minutes of turning. With equal 1-minute legs that is about 4 minutes total in nil wind.
How long is the inbound leg?
Below 14,000 feet the standard inbound leg is timed at 1 minute; at or above 14,000 feet it is 1.5 minutes, per the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual. The outbound leg is adjusted so the inbound leg matches the target time. This calculator lets you set the inbound leg time.
How far does the aircraft travel on the inbound leg?
Inbound leg distance equals true airspeed times the inbound leg time. At 150 knots over 1 minute that is 150 / 60 = 2.5 nautical miles. Wind changes the ground distance, but the timed leg is flown to the clock.
Why are standard rate turns assumed?
Holding patterns are normally flown at standard rate (3 degrees per second) or a 25 degree bank, whichever requires the lesser bank, per FAA guidance. A standard rate 180 degree turn always takes 60 seconds regardless of speed, which is why the turn time is fixed in this tool.
Official sources
- FAA: Aeronautical Information Manual (holding procedures).
- FAA: Instrument Procedures Handbook.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 19 June 2026. See our methodology.