Wind Adjustment Calculator
Convert wind-aided or wind-affected sprint times to equivalent still-air performances. Essential for comparing 100m and 200m performances run under different wind conditions using IAAF-accepted formulas.
Race Distance
How to Use
Select race distance
Choose between 100m and 200m - the only events where wind adjustment is officially recognized.
Enter your race time
Input the actual time from the race in seconds (e.g., 10.85 for 100m or 21.50 for 200m).
Enter the wind reading
Input the wind speed in m/s. Use positive for tailwind and negative for headwind (e.g., +1.5 or -0.8).
How It Works
Adjusted Time = Actual Time + (Wind × Coefficient)
Coefficients:
100m: 0.05 seconds per m/s
200m: 0.03 seconds per m/s
Example: 10.85 with +2.0 m/s wind
10.85 + (2.0 × 0.05) = 10.95 (still-air equivalent)
Based on research by Linthorne (1994) and widely used in athletic performance analysis. For extreme winds beyond ±2.0 m/s, a diminishing returns model is applied.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is legal wind in track and field sprints?
For 100m and 200m races, a tailwind of +2.0 m/s or less is considered legal. Performances run with wind assistance greater than +2.0 m/s cannot be used for record purposes, though they still count as official race results. Headwinds (negative values) have no limit.
How much does wind affect sprint times?
Research suggests approximately 0.05 seconds per m/s of wind for the 100m and 0.03 seconds per m/s for the 200m. A +2.0 m/s tailwind provides roughly a 0.10 second advantage in the 100m. Headwinds have an approximately equal but opposite effect.
Why is the wind effect less in the 200m than the 100m?
The 200m is run partially on a curve where wind direction relative to the runner changes. Additionally, runners spend less proportional time at maximum velocity where wind has the greatest effect. The back straight may have different wind conditions than the home straight.
How is wind measured at track meets?
An electronic wind gauge is placed alongside the track, typically at the 50m mark for the 100m and at a specific point on the straight for the 200m. Wind is measured for 10 seconds during the 100m (starting when the gun fires) and for 10 seconds during the 200m (starting when the first runner enters the straight).
Can you compare wind-aided times to legal times?
Yes, that's exactly what this calculator helps with. By adjusting for wind, you can estimate what a performance would have been in still air. This is useful for comparing performances from different meets, identifying true improvement, and evaluating an athlete's potential.