Wind Correction Angle Calculator
Find the heading to hold and the groundspeed you will make when a wind pushes you off your desired course.
How it works
WCA = arcsin(wind × sin(wind angle) ÷ TAS) · Groundspeed = TAS × cos(WCA) − wind × cos(wind angle)
To track a straight course in a crosswind you must point the nose partly into the wind — the wind correction angle. It is found by resolving the crosswind component against your true airspeed with the sine rule; the stronger the crosswind relative to TAS, the larger the crab angle. Closing the wind triangle then gives groundspeed: a headwind component slows you down, a tailwind speeds you up, independent of the crab you are holding.
Worked example
At 120 kt TAS with a 20 kt wind 50° off the desired course: WCA = arcsin(20 × sin 50° ÷ 120) = arcsin(0.128) ≈ 7.3°. Groundspeed = 120 × cos 7.3° − 20 × cos 50° ≈ 119.0 − 12.9 = 106 kt.
Sources: Wind triangle — Wikipedia
Frequently asked questions
Which way do I turn the correction?
Always toward the wind. If the wind comes from the left of your course, crab left by the correction angle so the aircraft’s sideways drift exactly cancels the wind and the track stays straight.
What if the wind is stronger than my airspeed?
If the crosswind component exceeds true airspeed, no heading can hold the course — the required correction would need a sine above 1. This calculator clamps that case and flags that you cannot make good the desired track.
Does the crab angle change groundspeed?
The crab itself is a heading change; groundspeed is set by the along-course wind component. A pure crosswind (90° to course) needs a crab but barely changes groundspeed, while a quartering headwind both requires a crab and slows you down.
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This calculator is for educational purposes. Double-check important results before acting on them.