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Course Correction Calculator

Heading change needed to get back on track after drifting off, with the distance to regain it.

Enter values

Results update as you type.

Result

Total course correction

7.15 °

The 1-in-60 rule: 1° of error puts you 1 nm off after 60 nm.

Track error so far
4.29 °
Closing angle to the destination
2.86 °
Correction to parallel the track
4.29 °
Extra distance from the error
0.075 nm
Extra time
0.6 min

About the Course Correction Calculator

Heading change needed to get back on track after drifting off, with the distance to regain it.

Also known as: off course correction, track error calculator, get back on course, cross track error.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter distance travelled, distance off track, distance remaining, speed.
  2. The result updates instantly as you type — press Calculate (or Enter) at any time.
  3. Review the breakdown shown under the main result.
  4. Use Copy result or Share to save the answer or send a link with your inputs.

Formula

correction = arctan(off-track ÷ run) + arctan(off-track ÷ remaining)

Worked example

Using the values pre-filled in the calculator above:

  • Distance travelled = 40 nm
  • Distance off track = 3 nm
  • Distance remaining = 60 nm
  • Speed = 8 knots

the calculator returns:

  • Total course correction: 7.15 °
  • Track error so far: 4.29 °
  • Closing angle to the destination: 2.86 °
  • Correction to parallel the track: 4.29 °