Free tool
Golf wind calculator
Tell it the distance, how hard the wind is blowing and which way. It tells you how many yards to add or take off and how far to aim off line.
The wind changes this shot by
+21yds
It plays like 171 yards instead of 150. Two clubs more.
Why this number
- Along the shot15 mph in your face+21
- Across the shotNo real crosswind0
No aim off needed.
How the wind changes your shot
Wind has two parts. The part along your line, into you or behind you, changes how far the ball goes. The part across your line pushes the ball sideways. A wind from the front-right is a bit of both.
- Into the wind costs more yards than the same wind helping gives back.
- Crosswinds move the ball more with longer clubs, because the ball is in the air longer.
- Strong wind matters most with a high ball. A lower flight is less affected, which is why the punch shot works.
This calculator assumes sea level, 80 degrees and a flat shot, so the only thing moving is the wind. For temperature, hills and altitude as well, use the plays-like yardage calculator.
Questions golfers ask
How many yards does wind add to a golf shot?
It depends on the speed, the direction and the club. For a 150 yard shot: a 10 mph headwind adds about 12 yards, a 15 mph headwind about 21 and a 20 mph headwind more than 30. The same winds behind you take off about 6, 8 and 9. Put your numbers in the calculator for a closer answer.
Why does a headwind hurt more than a tailwind helps?
A headwind makes the ball climb higher and drops it steeply, so you lose more distance. A tailwind lowers the flight and takes spin off, so it gives back less than you would hope.
How far should I aim off in a crosswind?
The calculator gives the number in yards for your shot. For a 150 yard shot, a 10 mph crosswind moves the ball about 12 yards and a 15 mph crosswind about 18. A driver moves more than a wedge, because the ball is in the air longer.
Does wind matter more higher up?
Yes. Wind is usually stronger above the trees than at ground level, and the ball spends most of its flight up high. The flag on the green may be moving less than the wind the ball feels.
How do I read wind direction on the course?
Face the target and ask where the wind comes from. In your face is a headwind, at your back is helping. From your right means it pushes the ball left, and the other way for the left. Look at treetops, the flag and a few blades of grass tossed in the air.
What about gusts?
Use the steady wind for your number, then pick a bit more club or a bit less aim if the gusts are strong. Pocket Looper shows the gust number next to the steady one on the course.
Get this on every shot
Pocket Looper reads the wind, the air and your lie for you on the course, and keeps the games for your group, free.