Wind Resistance Speed Calculator

Calculate how wind affects your cycling speed. See the power cost of headwinds and the free speed from tailwinds at any power output.

Results

Visualization

How It Works

Aerodynamic drag is the biggest force opposing a cyclist above 20 km/h, accounting for 80-90% of resistance on flat roads. Drag force increases with the square of airspeed, but power required increases with the cube. A 15 km/h headwind at 30 km/h ground speed means your body sees 45 km/h of air — requiring 3.4x the aerodynamic power. Dropping from hoods to drops reduces CdA by about 12%. Aero bars can reduce it by 30%. Drafting behind another rider saves 20-40% of power.