Flag Size Guide for Flagpoles
One of the most common flag mistakes is buying the wrong size flag for the height of a pole. Sure, it looks fine in the store but once hoisted, it disappears.
A quick-rule is that a flag's width (usually the second number - "height x width") should be between 1/4 and 1/3 of the pole's height. For example, a 20-foot pole calls for a flag that's 5 to 6.5 feet long. Toward the lower end of the range (3x5ft in this example), the flag looks proportional. Toward the higher end (4x6ft), it will look fuller.
Also consider wind. In high-wind locations, think about sizing down. Having a flag that is larger than recommended for your pole can lead to quicker wear-and-tear on the attachment points and the stitching.
Flagpole height to flag size
| Flagpole height | Recommended flag size | Typical usage |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 20 ft | 3×5 ft (Most Common) | Home porch flag poles and small in-ground poles |
| 20-25 ft | 4×6 ft | Mid-size poles (schools, commercial buildings, etc.) |
| 25–30 ft | 5×8 ft | Corporate, Municipal, & Government poles |
| 30–40 ft | 6×10 ft | Usually Car Dealerships |
| 40–50 ft | 8×12 ft | |
| 50–60 ft | 10×15 ft | Large scale civic displays |
These ranges follow guidelines from the Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA).
How to measure your pole
If you're not sure how tall your pole is, estimate from the base. One story is roughly 10 feet. Most residential flagpoles run 15 to 25 feet. Commercial flagpoles are typically 30 feet and up. Shopping centers and car dealerships often go significantly taller.
Flying two flags
Many residential installations have room for a second flag below the US flag. If you're flying a state flag, custom flag, or city flag below the American flag, size them the same. According to the US Flag Code, the United States flag should always be the same size or larger than anything flown beneath it.
A note on wind 💨
In high-wind areas, size down one row in the chart. A flag that's too large for its pole wears out faster and puts more stress on the halyard and hooks. If you are near the coast, lower latitudes, or on an exposed property, smaller flags also hold their color longer.
See our flag materials guide and our flag care page for more info.
