Flag Size Chart & Buying Guide | Find the Right Flag
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Flag Size Chart & Buying Guide
Not sure what size flag you need? Our easy-to-use flag size chart helps you match the perfect flag to your pole height and display location. Whether you’re flying a U.S. flag outdoors, setting up a presentation set indoors, or planning a large commercial display, choosing the right flag size ensures your display looks balanced, professional, and respectful. At Tidmore Flags, we’ve been helping customers find the ideal flag and pole combination since 1963 — proudly offering Made in the USA quality that stands the test of time.
Choosing the right flag size ensures your display looks balanced, professional, and respectful. Whether you’re flying a flag at home, a business, or a government building, the correct proportions between your flag and pole make all the difference in appearance and longevity.
Use the charts below to find the ideal flag size for your pole height and display location. You’ll also find guidance for indoor presentation sets and small hand-held flags.
Outdoor Flag Sizes
Outdoor flags come in a wide range of sizes to suit residential, commercial, and institutional displays. As a general rule, the length of your flag should be about one-quarter the height of your flagpole. Use the table below to find the right match.
| Flag Size | Recommended Pole Height | Typical Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5' × 4' | 15'–20' | Residential yards, porches, wall mounts | Lighter alternative to 3'×5' on 20' poles |
| 3' × 5' | 15'–20' | Most homes & small businesses | Most common outdoor size |
| 4' × 6' | 20'–25' | Larger homes, small commercial | More presence than 3'×5' |
| 5' × 8' | 25'–30' | Small commercial, municipal | Good step up for visibility |
| 6' × 10' | 30'–35' | Mid-size commercial | Heavier—ensure proper halyard & hardware |
| 5' × 9.5' | — | Memorial/casket flag | Sized for standard burial cases; not for pole display |
| 8' × 12' | 40' | Commercial/municipal | Common for school or city grounds |
| 10' × 15' | 50' | Commercial/industrial | High-visibility sites |
| 10' × 19' | 60' | Commercial/industrial | Extra-long proportion option |
| 12' × 18' | 60'–70' | Large commercial, civic | Verify pole wind-load rating |
| 15' × 25' | 70'–80' | Large commercial, civic | Very prominent display |
| 20' × 30' | 100' | Stadiums, large campuses | Heavy-duty pole & hardware required |
| 20' × 38' | 100'–120' | Stadiums, highways | Oversize/wind-rated setup |
| 25' × 40' | 120'–150' | Major venues, distribution centers | Professional installation recommended |
| 30' × 50' | 150'–200' | Arenas, large complexes | Engineering/wind-load planning needed |
| 30' × 60' | 200'–250' | Landmark displays | Specialty poles & expert install |
Note: Recommendations assume typical U.S. exposure. Always confirm local wind ratings and hardware compatibility.
Indoor & Presentation Sets
Indoor and ceremonial flags are designed for formal environments such as offices, auditoriums, and government chambers. These flags are typically made from nylon or cotton with gold fringe and a pole hem sleeve for presentation poles.
| Flag Size | Pole Height | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 3' x 5' | 7'–8' | Offices, classrooms, auditoriums |
| 4' x 6' | 9' | Auditoriums, ceremonial displays |
| 5' x 8' | 12' | Large halls, government buildings |
Stick Flags & Hand-Held Sizes
Stick flags, also called hand-held or desk flags, are perfect for parades, school programs, and memorial displays. These small flags are typically mounted on wooden or plastic staffs and used indoors or in light outdoor conditions.
| Flag Size | Pole Length | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 4" x 6" | 10" | Desks, parades, giveaways |
| 8" x 12" | 18" | School events, small displays |
| 12" x 18" | 24"–30" | Grave markers, classroom holders |
Tips for Choosing the Right Flag Size
- Outdoor flag length should be about ¼ to ⅓ the height of your flagpole.
- Ensure adequate clearance from trees, buildings, or power lines.
- Use nylon flags for light to moderate winds and polyester flags for high-wind areas.
- Larger flags exert more stress on poles—always confirm your pole’s wind rating.
- Shop flagpoles and outdoor American flags designed to match the chart above.
Still unsure what size flag you need? Our team at Tidmore Flags has been helping customers choose the right display since 1963. Contact us for personalized recommendations on flag sizes, materials, and mounting options.
