Wind Effect Calculator — Impact on Speed and Power
Calculate the impact of wind on speed and power requirements.
How We Calculate This
Wind Effect Calculation
- Headwind component = Wind speed × cos(angle)
- Crosswind component = Wind speed × sin(angle)
- Apparent wind = √[(riding speed + headwind)² + crosswind²] — the air actually striking you, resolved from your ground speed and the wind (Martin et al. 1998; FLO Cycling yaw model)
- Aero power = ½ × air density × CdA × apparent wind × forward air speed × riding speed
- Rolling power = Crr × weight × g × riding speed
- Rider power = (aero + rolling) ÷ 0.976 to allow for ~2.4% drivetrain loss
0° = direct headwind, 90° = pure crosswind, 180° = direct tailwind. A crosswind still adds aero drag because it raises the apparent-wind speed, even though it has no direct headwind component.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026
All calculations are estimates. Always verify results and consult a professional bike fitter where appropriate.