Calculate crosswind and headwind components instantly. Enter your runway heading, wind direction, and wind speed below.
Crosswind Component
12.9 kt
Headwind Component
15.3 kt
Within Cessna 172 crosswind limit (15 kt)
Select an aircraft to compare your crosswind component against its demonstrated limit.
| Aircraft | Limit | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ▶Cessna 172 | 15 kt demonstrated | OK (12.9 kt) |
| Cessna 152 | 12 kt demonstrated | EXCEEDS (12.9 kt) |
| Piper PA-28 | 17 kt demonstrated | OK (12.9 kt) |
| Boeing 737 | 36 kt max | OK (12.9 kt) |
| Airbus A320 | 38 kt max | OK (12.9 kt) |
The crosswind and headwind components are derived from the angle between the wind direction and the runway heading:
A positive headwind value means wind is blowing toward you (headwind). A negative value means a tailwind. The crosswind value is always shown as an absolute value — check the diagram for the direction (left or right of the runway centerline).
Crosswind calculations appear on the FAA written exam. Here is a sample question — one of 47+ question types you need to master.
If the runway heading is 270° and winds are 310° at 20 kt, what is the crosswind component?
This is just one of 47+ question types on your FAA written exam. Are you ready?
Start your exam prep — $7.49/mo (50% off)Drone pilot? Take the free Part 107 practice test
The crosswind component is the portion of wind blowing perpendicular to the runway centerline. It determines how much the aircraft will drift sideways during takeoff and landing, and pilots use it to decide whether conditions are safe.
The “demonstrated crosswind” is the maximum crosswind component encountered during certification test flights. It is not a hard limitation but rather an advisory value. Pilots should exercise caution when the crosswind exceeds the demonstrated value.
Enter the runway heading (found on approach plates or the runway number x 10), the reported wind direction and speed (from ATIS or METAR), and the calculator will instantly show the crosswind and headwind/tailwind components.
A tailwind appears when the wind is blowing from behind you relative to the runway heading. This happens when the angular difference between wind direction and runway heading exceeds 90°. Most aircraft have strict tailwind limits (typically 10 kt).
More free tools: METAR Decoder · ATPL Quiz · Pilot Salary Calculator · Flight Training Cost