Choosing the Right Size Flag for a Flagpole
Joe is the creator of Inch Calculator and has over 20 years of experience in engineering and construction. He holds several degrees and certifications.
Pateakia has worked in education for 15 years and has three degrees, including a PhD, Master's degree, and Bachelor's degree. She specializes in mathematics.
The method for determining the correct flag size for a flagpole might not seem obvious, but there are some easy tips you can use to get it right. The first step is to consider is whether you’ll be installing a wall-mounted pole or an in-ground pole.
For in-ground poles, the fly, or length of the flag should be at least one-quarter the height of the pole. For example, the flag for a 20′ high flagpole should be at least 5′ in length. A 3’x5′ flag would be a great choice for a 20′ high pole. For both safety and aesthetic reasons, the length should be no larger than one-third of the flagpole height.
For residential or wall-mounted flagpoles, the process is slightly different. For homes, most experts suggest using a 2 1/2′ x 4′ flag for a 5′ pole and a 3′ x 5′ flag for poles higher than 5 feet.
Recommended Flag Size
| Flagpole Type | Flagpole Height in Feet | Flag Size in Feet |
|---|---|---|
| wall-mounted | 5′ | 2.5×4 |
| wall-mounted | 6′ – 8′ | 3×5 |
| in-ground | 15′ | 3×5 |
| in-ground | 20′ | 3×5 |
| in-ground | 25′ | 4×6 |
| in-ground | 30′ | 5×8 |
| in-ground | 40′ | 6×10 |
| in-ground | 50′ | 8×12 |
| in-ground | 60′ | 10×15 |
| in-ground | 70′ | 12×18 |
| in-ground | 80′ | 15×25 |
| in-ground | 90′ | 15×25 |
| in-ground | 100′ | 15×25 |
If you’re creating your own flag or looking for dimensions of the various components on the flag, refer to our American Flag Calculator.