KSFO San Francisco runways and takeoff data

Runways at KSFO

The main direction is a set of two parallel runways (10L/28R and 10R/28L) on 118/298° true. The parallel pair 1R/19L and 1L/19R lies 90° off that axis and is the crosswind option when the wind blows across the main runways.

Lengths run from 2,332 m on 1L/19R to 3,618 m on 10L/28R, a difference of 1,286 m.

Displaced thresholds: 28R 91 m, 28L 91 m, 1R 171 m, 1L 197 m. A displaced threshold shortens the landing distance from that end, not the takeoff run.

Example takeoff performance

Flap setting, assumed temperature (FLEX) and V1/VR/V2 in knots for an A320ceo at 70 t and a 737-800 at 72 t, from the start of each runway of at least 1,800 m. Conditions are a standard day so runway length and airport elevation are what change: ISA temperature at the runway elevation, QNH 1013, calm wind, dry, no obstacles.

Runway length shows in the numbers: from 10L (3,618 m) the A320 example uses CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 61 °C, while 1L (2,332 m) needs CONF 3 and 54 °C, so less thrust reduction.

At 13 ft above sea level the air is as dense as it gets, and the elevation costs nothing: the A320 example on 10L matches the same runway at sea level (CONF 1+F, 61 °C).

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 10L (3,618 m). The limiting end is 19R (2,332 m), which needs CONF 3 with an assumed temperature of 44 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.

The A320 V2 values include improved climb: with a long runway and a high assumed temperature, V2 is raised above its minimum so the one-engine climb gradient still holds. That is why V2 runs higher on the longer runways.

The 737-800 assumed temperature is at its FCOM maximum (marked max) from each runway end in the table, so at 72 t the runway is not what limits it.

An illustration for flight simulation, not for real-world operations. Your own numbers depend on weight, weather, runway condition, intersection and obstacles; SkyNexus computes them from your SimBrief plan and the live METAR. See the A320 performance calculator and the 737-800 performance calculator for how it works.

Nearby airports

• KLAX Los Angeles293 NM
• KDFW Dallas Fort Worth1,270 NM
• KORD Chicago O'Hare1,600 NM
• KATL Atlanta1,855 NM

All airports

KSFO questions

How long is the longest runway at KSFO?

Runway 10L/28R at San Francisco is 3,618 m (11,870 ft) long and 61 m wide, surfaced in asphalt.

What is the elevation of San Francisco?

San Francisco International Airport sits at 13 ft above sea level. Elevation lowers air density, which raises true airspeed at a given V-speed and lengthens the takeoff run, so it matters for performance.

Which flap setting does an A320 use for takeoff at KSFO?

In our reference example (70 t, ISA, calm wind, dry runway, full length) the A320 uses CONF 1+F or CONF 3 here. On a real day the answer moves with weight, temperature, wind and the runway condition; SkyNexus works it out from your SimBrief flight plan and the live METAR.

Which runway at KSFO limits a heavy A320 takeoff?

Near its maximum takeoff weight, at 77 t, the A320 example still gets CONF 1+F with an assumed temperature of 51 °C from 10L (3,618 m). The limiting end is 19R (2,332 m), which needs CONF 3 with an assumed temperature of 44 °C. On a hot day at full weight that is the runway to check before you accept it from ATC.