This windsock calculator takes the figures you already have and applies the relationship behind windsock calculations for you, giving speed imperial, speed metric and speed from number of segments (n) and one way.
What Is the Windsock Calculator?
The windsock calculator turns number of segments (n) and one way into speed imperial, speed metric and speed.
It is a quick way to get from the numbers you have to the number you need, without setting up a spreadsheet or reaching for a formula.
How the Windsock Works
Each result follows from the ones before it, and the calculator shows every step, so a surprising answer can be traced back to the input that caused it.
Round your inputs to the precision you actually know, and keep more precision than that in the intermediate steps.
Getting a Result You Can Trust
Run the calculation twice with slightly different inputs. A sensible calculator moves its output in proportion; a wild change points to a unit or a decimal point problem in what you entered.
Write the inputs down next to the answer. It takes a moment and it is the difference between a number you can explain and one you cannot.
A Worked Example
Working through an example, with number of segments (n) set to 10, one way set to 5, the calculator returns speed of 30, and speed imperial of 34.524, and speed metric of 55.56. Substitute your own figures and the same steps produce the same kind of answer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to work out speed imperial?
Enter number of segments (n) and one way. The calculator then works through the relationship and reports speed imperial, speed metric and speed.
What does the windsock actually calculate?
It takes number of segments (n) and one way and converts them into speed imperial, speed metric and speed using the standard relationship for this problem. Each step is applied in turn, so every output is traceable back to the numbers you typed in.
How should I enter number of segments (n)?
Use the value you actually have, in the unit shown next to the field. Enter every value in the same unit system. The calculator assumes the figures you supply are consistent, so it cannot correct a mistake that happens before the calculation starts.
Can I use this for a quick estimate as well as a precise answer?
Yes. The calculator is built for quick checks, so round your inputs to a sensible number of significant figures and the result will be just as useful. If you need more precision, keep the same method and add digits to the inputs rather than adjusting the method itself.
Does anything you type get stored?
No. The whole calculation runs inside your browser, and nothing you enter is uploaded, logged or sent anywhere.