Physics

Ground Speed Calculator

Find an aircraft's ground speed from airspeed and headwind/tailwind.

Calculated Output

Ground speed (kn) 220

Formula: ground speed = airspeed + tailwind

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Values used:

2. True airspeed = 250 kn

3. Headwind (−) / Tailwind (+) = -30 kn

5. Ground speed = True airspeed + Headwind (−) / Tailwind (+) = 250 + -30 = 220kn

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The math behind it

With wind directly along the path: ground speed = true airspeed + tailwind (a headwind is negative).

250 kn airspeed with a 30 kn headwind → 220 kn ground speed.

What about crosswinds?

Only the along-track wind component changes ground speed; crosswind affects heading instead.