Ground Speed Calculator
Calculate ground speed with wind effects and unit conversions
Ground speed is the actual speed of an object relative to the ground, which can differ significantly from its airspeed due to wind effects. Key components include:
- True Airspeed: The speed of the object through the air mass
- Wind Vector: The speed and direction of the wind
- Heading: The direction the object is pointing
- Track: The actual path over the ground
Tailwind
A wind from behind increases ground speed. The ground speed will be the sum of the object's airspeed and the wind speed component in the direction of travel.
Headwind
A wind from ahead reduces ground speed. The ground speed will be the difference between the object's airspeed and the wind speed component in the opposite direction of travel.
Crosswind
A wind from the side causes drift, requiring a correction to maintain the desired track. This affects both ground speed and heading.
The main calculations involved in determining ground speed are:
- Basic Ground Speed: Distance ÷ Time
- Wind Effect: Wind Speed × cos(Wind Direction - Heading)
- True Ground Speed: Basic Ground Speed + Wind Effect
- Unit Conversions:
- km/h = m/s × 3.6
- mph = m/s × 2.237
- knots = m/s × 1.944
- Aviation: Flight planning and navigation
- Marine Navigation: Ship routing and voyage planning
- Cycling: Training and race planning with wind considerations
- Drone Operations: Flight time and range calculations
- Sports: Performance analysis in wind-affected activities
What is the difference between ground speed and airspeed?
Ground speed is the actual speed over the ground, while airspeed is the speed relative to the air mass. They differ due to wind effects.
Why is ground speed important in navigation?
Ground speed is crucial for accurate time and fuel calculations, arrival time estimates, and maintaining proper spacing between vehicles or aircraft.
How does wind direction affect ground speed?
Wind can increase ground speed (tailwind), decrease it (headwind), or cause drift (crosswind). The effect depends on the wind's speed and its angle relative to the heading.