Ground Speed Calculator (Aviation Wind Triangle)

Your details

Select the speed unit for all inputs and outputs.
The speed of the aircraft relative to the surrounding air mass. Check your aircraft's performance charts or airspeed indicator (corrected for altitude and temperature).
kt
The direction you want to travel over the ground, measured clockwise from north (0 to 360 degrees).
deg
The speed of the wind, as reported in a METAR or weather briefing. Calm winds (0) produce no correction.
kt
The direction the wind is blowing FROM, measured clockwise from true north (same convention used in METARs and weather reports). A westerly wind blowing from the west is 270 deg.
deg
Ground speedTailwind
100

Actual speed over the ground, combining airspeed and wind effect.

Speed unitkt
Wind correction angle (WCA)0deg
Heading to fly90deg
Headwind / tailwind-20
Crosswind component0
HW/TW typeTailwind
Crosswind sideNo crosswind
Ground speed100
Headwind(+) / Tailwind(-)-20
Crosswind R(+) / L(-)0

Ground speed: 100.0 kt - fly heading 90 deg.

  • The wind reduces or increases your effective speed by 20.0 kt compared to your true airspeed (ground speed slower than TAS).
  • The tailwind component is 20.0 kt - acting directly with your course.

Next stepUse the heading shown above on your directional gyro or HSI. Cross-check with a current ATIS or METAR - winds at cruising altitude can differ significantly from surface winds.

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