Beaufort Scale Calculator

Convert wind speed into a Beaufort scale force number and wind description. Enter wind speed in mph, km/h, m/s, knots, or ft/s to see the Beaufort category, common wind effects, and converted wind speed units.

Calculate Beaufort Scale

Beaufort Scale = wind force category based on wind speed range and observed effects.
Your result will appear here.

How the Beaufort scale calculator works

Wind speed:
Enter the wind speed you want to classify.

Wind unit:
Choose the starting unit, such as mph, km/h, m/s, knots, or ft/s.

Beaufort force:
The calculator converts the wind speed to mph, then matches it to a Beaufort force range from 0 to 12.

Wind description:
The result includes a common wind label and expected effects on land or sea.

Why use a Beaufort scale calculator?

A Beaufort scale calculator is useful for weather tracking, boating, sailing, outdoor work, camping, hiking, storm planning, and understanding wind reports in simple descriptive terms.

Beaufort scale categories are helpful when you want a quick wind force description instead of only a speed number.

What your result means

Your result shows the Beaufort force number for the wind speed entered. It also includes the wind speed converted into mph, km/h, m/s, knots, and ft/s, plus common land and sea effects for that wind category.

Beaufort scale tips

Frequently asked questions

What is the Beaufort scale?

The Beaufort scale is a wind force scale that classifies wind speed into numbered categories from 0 to 12.

What Beaufort number is a strong breeze?

A strong breeze is Beaufort force 6, commonly around 25 to 31 mph.

What Beaufort number is gale force?

Gale force starts around Beaufort force 8, commonly around 39 to 46 mph.

Is the Beaufort scale exact?

The Beaufort scale is based on wind speed ranges and observed effects, so it is a practical category system rather than a single exact value.