Windsock Calculator

Your details

Choose whether you are counting visible inflated segments or measuring the angle the windsock makes with the vertical.
Count the number of upright, inflated ring sections visible on the windsock. A fully inflated windsock shows all 5 segments horizontal.
of 5
The magnetic heading of the runway in use (e.g. 090 for runway 09). Used to compute the headwind and crosswind components.
deg
The direction the wind is coming FROM, read from the windsock pointing direction (the windsock points downwind, so the wind comes from the opposite end).
deg
Wind speedGood for light aircraft
9kt

Estimated wind speed in knots from your windsock reading

Wind speed (km/h)16.7km/h
Wind speed (mph)10.4mph
Wind speed (m/s)4.6m/s
Beaufort force3
Beaufort descriptionGentle breeze
Headwind component6.9kt
Crosswind component-5.8kt
9 kt
Calm<3Light wind3-10Moderate10-15Strong15+

Wind is approximately 9.0 kt from the windsock reading.

  • The estimated wind speed is 9.0 kt (10.4 mph, 16.7 km/h), Beaufort force 3 - Gentle breeze.
  • With 3 of 5 segments inflated, each segment represents roughly 3 kt of wind speed.
  • On the selected runway, you have a 6.9 kt headwind and a 5.8 kt crosswind component.

Next stepConditions are favourable for most light aircraft. Confirm wind direction aligns with available runways before takeoff.

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