Use our free Windsock Calculator to quickly estimate wind speed and direction from your visual observations. Perfect for pilots, drone operators, and anyone needing real-time local wind data. Simply input the windsock's observed angle and its full extension speed to get immediate results.
Formula:
The Windsock Calculator estimates wind speed based on the windsock's observed angle relative to the horizontal and its full extension speed. A simplified linear model is used:
Estimated Wind Speed = Windsock Full Extension Speed × (1 - (Observed Angle ÷ 90))
- Windsock Full Extension Speed: The wind speed (e.g., in knots) at which the windsock is fully extended (horizontal).
- Observed Angle: The angle of the windsock relative to the horizontal (0° for fully extended, 90° for hanging vertically).