Beaufort Wind Scale Reference
The Beaufort scale is a time honored way of describing wind strength by its observable effects, from smoke rising straight up in a dead calm to widespread destruction in a hurricane. Devised in 1805 for the Royal Navy and still used today, it turns a wind speed into a single force number from zero to twelve, each with a descriptive name and characteristic signs on land and at sea. This reference tool lets you enter a wind speed in your preferred units and instantly maps it to the correct Beaufort force, showing the name, the equivalent speed range, and what you would typically observe. It is handy for sailors, kite and drone flyers, forecasters and writers who want the right term for a given wind. You can also browse the full table of all thirteen force levels. Everything runs locally in your browser for immediate, private lookups.
How to use Beaufort Wind Scale Reference
- Enter a wind speed.
- Read the matching Beaufort force number and name.
- Read the expected effects on sea and land.
- Adjust the speed to see the neighboring force levels.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Beaufort scale describe?
It maps a wind speed to a force number from 0 to 12, each with a name and the observable effects on land and sea for that wind strength.
How does it find the force number from a wind speed?
It matches your entered wind speed to the Beaufort band it falls into, returning the force number, its name and the matching sea and land descriptions.
What is force 12 on the scale?
Force 12 is hurricane force, at sustained winds of 64 knots or more, marked by huge waves at sea and widespread damage on land.
What is Beaufort Wind Scale Reference?
The Beaufort scale is a time honored way of describing wind strength by its observable effects, from smoke rising straight up in a dead calm to widespread destruction in a hurricane. Devised in 1805 for the Royal Navy and still used today, it turns a wind speed into a single force number from zero to twelve, each with a descriptive name and characteristic signs on land and at sea.
Is Beaufort Wind Scale Reference free to use?
Yes. Beaufort Wind Scale Reference is completely free, with no sign-up and no usage limits.
Does Beaufort Wind Scale Reference work in a web browser?
Yes. Beaufort Wind Scale Reference runs in any modern web browser. There is nothing to download or install.
Is my data private with Beaufort Wind Scale Reference?
Yes. Beaufort Wind Scale Reference runs entirely on your device in your browser, so nothing you enter is uploaded to a server.
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