Wind Chill Calculator
Calculate Wind Chill values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems.
This wind chill calculator estimates the 'feels-like' temperature in cold weather by combining air temperature with wind speed, reflecting how much faster the body loses heat when wind strips away the thin layer of warm air near the skin.
Enter the air temperature and wind speed, and the calculator returns the wind chill temperature.
Worked Calculation Examples
| Scenario | Result | Calculation Step |
|---|---|---|
| 20°F air temperature, 15 mph wind | Wind chill ≈ 6°F | Applying the 2001 NWS/Environment Canada formula to 20°F and 15 mph gives a wind chill around 6°F, consistent with published wind chill charts. |
| 10°F air temperature, 25 mph wind | Wind chill ≈ −11°F | The same formula at 10°F and 25 mph produces a wind chill around −11°F - stronger wind at a lower starting temperature compounds the heat-loss effect. |
Why Wind Makes Cold Feel Worse
Skin naturally warms a thin layer of air close to its surface, which provides some insulation. Wind continuously strips this warmed layer away and replaces it with colder air, accelerating heat loss from the body - the stronger the wind, the faster this heat loss occurs, making the air feel colder than the thermometer reading alone.
Wind Chill and Frostbite Risk
Wind chill charts are commonly used to estimate how quickly exposed skin can develop frostbite - at sufficiently low wind chill values, frostbite can occur on exposed skin in a matter of minutes, which is why wind chill warnings matter as much as raw air temperature for outdoor safety in winter.
How to Use the Wind Chill Calculator
- Open the Wind Chill Calculator and enter the values requested in the input fields.
- Check the units, percentages, dates, or time periods before reading the answer.
- Review the instant result and adjust any value to compare another scenario.
- Use the formula, example, and FAQs below to understand how the wind chill calculator works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is wind chill calculated?
Wind chill combines air temperature and wind speed using a formula developed by meteorological agencies, reflecting the accelerated heat loss caused by wind stripping away the warm air layer near the skin.
Why does wind make cold weather feel colder?
Wind continuously removes the thin layer of air the body has warmed near its skin, replacing it with colder air and speeding up heat loss - the stronger the wind, the faster this effect occurs.
Can wind chill cause frostbite?
Yes - at low enough wind chill values, exposed skin can develop frostbite within minutes, which is why wind chill warnings are issued alongside raw temperature forecasts in cold weather.
How do I use this wind chill calculator?
Enter the known values, review the units or settings, and the calculator updates the result instantly. The formula and example on this page show how the answer is produced.
What does the Wind Chill Calculator calculate?
Calculate Wind Chill values for science, physics, chemistry, and engineering problems. It is designed for fast browser-based calculations without sign-up, downloads, or manual spreadsheet setup.
What formula does this wind chill use?
The formula is: Wind Chill = f(Temperature, Wind Speed) — joint US/Canada formula, 2001. The wind chill formula used today was developed jointly by the US National Weather Service and Environment Canada in 2001, replacing an older 1945 formula originally derived from Antarctic expedition researchers Paul Siple and Charles Passel, who measured how quickly water froze in a plastic cylinder exposed to wind. The 2001 revision incorporated modern heat-transfer science and actual human facial skin temperature data, producing generally lower (less severe) wind chill values than the older formula for the same conditions.
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Last updated: September 27, 2026.