Each short barb represents 5 knots, each long barb 10 knots, and each pennant 50 knots. A long barb and a short barb equal 15 knots (10 + 5 = 15); a long barb, a short barb, and a pennant equal 65 knots (50 + 10 + 5 = 65).
The wind direction is indicated by the long shaft, which points to the direction from which the wind is blowing, based upon a 36-point compass.
| Symbol | Speed (knots) | Symbol | Speed (knots) |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Calm |  |
35 |
 |
5 |  |
40 |
 |
10 |  |
45 |
 |
15 |  |
50 |
 |
20 |  |
55 |
 |
25 |  |
60 |
 |
30 |  |
65 |