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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size flag do I need for a 20-foot flagpole?
A 20-foot pole calls for a flag 5 to 6.5 feet long, following the 1/4-to-1/3 rule. A 3x5 ft flag is the most common pick and looks proportional. A 4x6 ft flag will look fuller. In high-wind spots, go with the smaller size.
What size flag should I fly on my flagpole?
As a rule, a flag's width should be between one-quarter and one-third of your flagpole's height. Quick reference: poles up to 20 ft use a 3x5 ft flag, 20 to 25 ft use 4x6 ft, 25 to 30 ft use 5x8 ft, 30 to 40 ft use 6x10 ft, 40 to 50 ft use 8x12 ft, and 50 to 60 ft use 10x15 ft. These ranges follow Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) guidelines.
How do I measure my flagpole's height?
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, and commercial flagpoles are usually 30 feet and up. Shopping centers and car dealerships often go significantly taller.
Should I size my flag down in high-wind areas?
Yes. In high-wind locations, drop one row in the chart. A flag that's too large for its pole wears out faster and puts extra stress on the stitching, halyard, and hooks. Near the coast or on an exposed property, smaller flags also hold their color longer.
What size should two flags on the same pole be?
If you're flying a state, city, or custom flag below the US flag, size them the same. Per the US Flag Code, the United States flag should always be the same size or larger than anything flown beneath it.
