Runway Crosswind Component Calculator
Before every landing or takeoff, pilots must check the crosswind component to ensure it does not exceed the aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit. This calculator resolves the reported surface wind into components perpendicular (crosswind) and parallel (headwind or tailwind) to the runway. Enter the wind direction (the direction the wind is blowing FROM, as reported by ATIS/AWOS/METAR), the wind speed in knots, and the runway heading in degrees magnetic. The calculator returns the crosswind component and headwind component. A tailwind results in a negative headwind. Always compare the crosswind component to the value published in your aircraft POH.
Crosswind component formula
Angle = |Wind Direction - Runway Heading| (use acute angle <= 90 deg)
Crosswind = Wind Speed x sin(Angle)
Headwind = Wind Speed x cos(Angle)
Wind direction is FROM direction, as reported in METARs. Runway heading is the magnetic heading of the runway you are using (runway number times 10). The angle between them determines the component split. A positive headwind means a headwind; negative means a tailwind.
Crosswind component quick reference
- 10 degrees off runway: 17% crosswind, 98% headwind.
- 20 degrees off runway: 34% crosswind, 94% headwind.
- 30 degrees off runway: 50% crosswind, 87% headwind.
- 45 degrees off runway: 71% crosswind, 71% headwind.
- 60 degrees off runway: 87% crosswind, 50% headwind.
- 90 degrees off runway: 100% crosswind, 0% headwind.
Crosswind component calculator: frequently asked questions
What is a crosswind component?
The crosswind component is the portion of the wind that blows perpendicular to the runway centerline. It is calculated as wind speed multiplied by the sine of the angle between the wind direction and the runway heading. Exceeding your aircraft's demonstrated crosswind limit is unsafe.
What is the demonstrated crosswind limit?
The demonstrated crosswind component is published in the aircraft's POH. It is not a hard limit but the maximum crosswind used during certification flight tests. Many pilots treat it as a practical maximum. Check your specific POH for the value.
How do I find the angle between the wind and the runway?
The angle = |Wind Direction - Runway Magnetic Heading|. If the result is greater than 180, subtract it from 360 to get the acute angle. For example, runway 27 (270 degrees magnetic) with wind from 310 degrees gives an angle of 40 degrees.
What are the headwind and crosswind components?
Headwind component = wind speed x cos(angle between wind and runway). Crosswind component = wind speed x sin(angle). A direct headwind has 100% headwind and 0% crosswind; a 90-degree direct crosswind has 0% headwind and 100% crosswind.
Does the crosswind change with altitude?
The ATIS/AWOS wind is reported at 10 meters (33 ft) above the runway. At surface level, wind is typically less. However, for crosswind limit calculations, the reported surface wind is the standard used. Above the runway at pattern altitude, wind direction and speed may differ.
Official sources
- FAA Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3C), Chapter 8 Crosswind Operations: faa.gov.
- FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM): faa.gov.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 15 June 2026. See our methodology.