Physics

Wind Correction Angle Calculator

Find the heading correction for a crosswind.

Calculated Output

Wind correction angle (°) 7.696

Formula: WCA = arcsin(wind·sin(angle) ÷ TAS)

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. True airspeed = 120 kn

3. Wind speed = 25 kn

4. Wind angle to course = 40 °

6. Wind correction angle = 7.696°

Did this calculator solve your problem today?

The math behind it

WCA = arcsin(wind speed × sin(wind angle) ÷ TAS). Only the crosswind component matters.

120 kn TAS, 25 kn wind at 40° → about 7.7°.

Which way do you crab?

Turn the nose into the wind so the crosswind drift cancels out.