Calculate Wind Direction Degrees to Cardinal
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Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
Wind direction is typically measured in degrees from 0° to 360°, where 0° points to true north. This calculator converts wind direction degrees to cardinal directions (N, NE, E, SE, S, SW, W, NW) for easier understanding and communication.
How to Use This Calculator
To convert wind direction degrees to cardinal directions:
- Enter the wind direction in degrees (0-360) in the input field.
- Click the "Calculate" button to see the corresponding cardinal direction.
- Review the result and any additional information provided.
The calculator will display the cardinal direction and show it on a compass visualization.
Wind Direction Basics
Wind direction is typically measured in degrees from 0° to 360°, where:
- 0° points to true north (N)
- 90° points to true east (E)
- 180° points to true south (S)
- 270° points to true west (W)
Cardinal directions are the four primary directions (N, E, S, W) and the four intermediate directions (NE, SE, SW, NW) that combine them.
Conversion Method
The conversion from degrees to cardinal directions follows these standard ranges:
Conversion Ranges
- 348.75° - 11.25° → N (North)
- 11.25° - 33.75° → NE (Northeast)
- 33.75° - 56.25° → E (East)
- 56.25° - 78.75° → SE (Southeast)
- 78.75° - 101.25° → S (South)
- 101.25° - 123.75° → SW (Southwest)
- 123.75° - 146.25° → W (West)
- 146.25° - 168.75° → NW (Northwest)
- 168.75° - 191.25° → N (North)
- 191.25° - 213.75° → NE (Northeast)
- 213.75° - 236.25° → E (East)
- 236.25° - 258.75° → SE (Southeast)
- 258.75° - 281.25° → S (South)
- 281.25° - 303.75° → SW (Southwest)
- 303.75° - 326.25° → W (West)
- 326.25° - 348.75° → NW (Northwest)
The calculator uses these ranges to determine the cardinal direction from the input degrees.
Example Calculations
Here are some example calculations to demonstrate how the conversion works:
| Degrees | Cardinal Direction | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0° | N | True north |
| 45° | NE | Northeast |
| 90° | E | True east |
| 135° | SE | Southeast |
| 180° | S | True south |
| 225° | SW | Southwest |
| 270° | W | True west |
| 315° | NW | Northwest |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between true north and magnetic north?
True north is the direction along the Earth's geographic axis, while magnetic north is the direction toward the Earth's magnetic pole. The difference is called magnetic declination and varies by location.
How accurate is the wind direction conversion?
The conversion is precise based on standard meteorological conventions. The calculator uses the exact midpoint between cardinal directions to determine the correct cardinal direction.
Can I use this calculator for aviation purposes?
Yes, this calculator can be used for general aviation purposes. However, for precise navigation, always consult official aviation charts and instruments.