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Wind Triangle: Heading and Forward Track

Solve the wind triangle for a desired ground track, showing heading and forward speed while identifying physically infeasible wind cases.

Use this result well

Inputs that matter
Horizontal airspeed (m/s), Wind speed (m/s), Wind FROM bearing (° true), Desired track (° true), and 3 more
Output to expect
Heading to maintain a ground track, Track solution from signed components
  • Check the units and required inputs before comparing results.
  • Keep the assumptions with a copied result so you can reproduce the calculation later.
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Reference & details

How it works

Heading to maintain a ground track

Solve the wind triangle for an intended ground track. A sideways correction is insufficient when headwind still prevents forward progress; that case produces no heading.

Correction = asin(crosswind / horizontal airspeed); GS = √(airspeed² − crosswind²) − headwind.

Track solution from signed components

Use headwind and crosswind already resolved against the intended track. Negative headwind means tailwind; negative crosswind originates on the left.

Forward GS = √(airspeed² − crosswind²) − headwind; heading = track + asin(crosswind / airspeed).

Updated: September 2026

Example Scenarios

Use the example to inspect the method and breakdown, then enter your own documented observations or equipment data.

→ 19.471221° true heading

Use the example to inspect the method and breakdown, then enter your own documented observations or equipment data.

→ 338.463041° true heading

FAQ

Solve the wind triangle for an intended ground track. A sideways correction is insufficient when headwind still prevents forward progress; that case produces no heading. Use headwind and crosswind already resolved against the intended track. Negative headwind means tailwind; negative crosswind originates on the left.

Retain the measurement time and location, equipment or source document, units and assumptions. Examples illustrate the calculation and must be replaced with your own actual data before saving a personal case.

Use Save planning case for an explicit local history entry. Copy MD includes inputs and notes; Download CSV exports the result breakdown. Keep portable copies and save a separate case after changing the assumptions.

About Wind Triangle: Heading and Forward Track

Solve the wind triangle for an intended ground track. A sideways correction is insufficient when headwind still prevents forward progress; that case produces no heading. Use headwind and crosswind already resolved against the intended track. Negative headwind means tailwind; negative crosswind originates on the left.