Maryland State Flag Size Guide: What Size Maryland Flag Should You Fly?

Choosing the right Maryland state flag size is the difference between a display that looks bold and respectful… and one that feels crowded, oversized, or puts too much strain on your flagpole. Whether you’re flying the Maryland flag at a Baltimore rowhouse, an Annapolis waterfront property, a suburban home in the D.C. metro area, a farm out in Western Maryland, or in front of a school or government building, the flag and pole need to be in proportion — especially in a state known for coastal winds, humid summers, thunderstorms, and four distinct seasons.

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It’s easy to assume “bigger is better,” but an oversized flag can create too much wind load, wear out faster, and even bend or damage a smaller pole. This guide breaks down which Maryland flag sizes work best for house-mount poles, residential in-ground flagpoles, and commercial sites — plus which materials hold up best in Maryland’s mix of coastal, urban, and inland mountain climates.

Quick Answer — Standard Maryland Flag Sizes

Short on time? Here are the most common Maryland flag sizes and where they’re typically used:

For a full national overview, see our Flag Size Chart & Buying Guide.

Choosing the Right Maryland Flag Size for Your Location

House-Mount (Wall-Mounted) Maryland Flags

For most Maryland homes — from Baltimore rowhouses and Annapolis waterfront properties to suburban homes in Columbia, Silver Spring, Rockville, and small towns across the Eastern Shore — the classic setup is a 3' × 5' Maryland flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole. This size looks balanced on one- and two-story homes and has enough presence to be seen from the street without overwhelming your entry.

• Standard recommendation: 3' × 5' Maryland flag on a 5'–6' pole.
• Smaller homes and rowhouses: Use a 2' × 3' flag if your porch is tight, close to the sidewalk, or you’re on an upper-story balcony.
• Clearance: Make sure the flag has room to fly without hitting brick, siding, railings, trees, or parked vehicles.

Winds funneled by urban streets in Baltimore and strong breezes off the Chesapeake Bay can put a lot of stress on wall-mount brackets. Staying with a 3' × 5' flag on a sturdy pole keeps your setup looking great while protecting your hardware.

Residential In-Ground Flagpoles

For in-ground poles in front of your home, waterfront property, or rural acreage, use the basic rule: flag length ≈ one-quarter of pole height.

On a typical 20' residential pole, a 3' × 5' Maryland flag will look right in proportion for most homes. If your property sits back from the road, overlooks the Bay, or you want more visibility, you can move up to a 4' × 6' flag — just make sure your pole and hardware are rated for the extra wind load, especially in exposed, coastal, or hilltop locations.

Commercial, Schools & Government Buildings in Maryland

For schools, municipal buildings, churches, and commercial properties in Maryland, you’ll commonly see:

• 5' × 8' Maryland flags on 25'–30' poles
• 6' × 10' flags on 30'–35' poles
• 8' × 12' flags on 40' poles and larger

Larger flags create a powerful visual statement, but they also act like big sails in strong coastal winds and storm fronts. Always check your pole’s wind-load rating and use commercial-grade, Made-in-USA flags and hardware for these installations.

Best Material for the Maryland Climate

Maryland weather can be tough on flags: humid summers, Nor’easters, Chesapeake Bay winds, thunderstorms, and winter snow all take a toll. Choosing the right Maryland flag material is just as important as choosing the right size.

Nylon Maryland Flags — Most Popular Everyday Option

Nylon is an excellent all-around choice for most Maryland locations:

• Flies easily in light to moderate winds, even on still humid days.
• Dries quickly after rain, fog, or snow.
• Bright, crisp colors that make the bold Calvert and Crossland quarters stand out.

If you’re flying the Maryland flag at a typical home or small business and want a balance of durability, color, and movement, nylon is usually the best starting point.

Polyester Maryland Flags — Best for High-Wind & Coastal Areas

In more demanding environments — open Chesapeake Bay waterfronts, exposed peninsulas and points, rural farmland in central and western Maryland, or properties that see frequent strong winds — a 2-ply polyester Maryland flag is often the better investment:

• Heavier, stronger weave stands up to constant wind and whipping.
• More resistant to tearing at the fly end.
• Ideal for commercial properties, rural sites, and exposed residential locations.

Polyester needs more wind to fly than nylon, but in harsh conditions it typically outlasts nylon and holds its shape better.

Maryland Flag Material Guide: Nylon vs Polyester

Cotton Maryland Flags — Indoor & Ceremonial Use Only

Cotton Maryland flags are best used for:

• Indoor offices and conference rooms
• Presentation and ceremonial sets
• Short-term indoor or protected displays

Cotton absorbs moisture and can fade more quickly under strong sun or repeated dampness, so it’s not recommended for long-term outdoor display in Maryland.

Ready to choose the best match for your location? Browse our Maryland State Flags — Nylon, Polyester & Indoor Sets, all proudly Made in the USA.

Flying the U.S. Flag with the Maryland Flag

When you fly the U.S. and Maryland flags together, follow standard flag etiquette:

• The U.S. flag always flies in the position of honor — at the top of the pole or on its own right (observer’s left) when displayed side-by-side.
• If both are on the same pole, the Maryland flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag.
• If you fly additional flags (e.g., a county flag, city flag, or military flag), the U.S. flag should remain at the highest point.

On a typical residential pole, a 3' × 5' U.S. flag with a 3' × 5' Maryland flag underneath is a clean, respectful setup.

How to Care for Your Maryland Flag (Cleaning, Storage & Lifespan)

Sun, wind, rain, snow, and humidity can shorten the life of any outdoor flag in Maryland. A simple care routine will help your Maryland flag last longer and look better.

Cleaning Nylon & Polyester Maryland Flags

• Wash gently in cold water (hand-wash or gentle machine cycle).
• Use a mild detergent only — avoid bleach and harsh chemicals.
• Rinse thoroughly so no soap residue remains.
• Air-dry by hanging or laying flat; avoid using a dryer.

For more detailed care tips, see How to Clean and Care for Outdoor Flags.

Protecting Your Flag from Maryland Weather

• Take the flag down during extreme wind events, Nor’easters, or severe thunderstorms.
• Rotate between two Maryland flags so each gets rest time.
• Inspect the fly end regularly and trim minor frays before they become large tears.

Proper Storage for Your Maryland Flag

• For short-term storage, fold the flag neatly (a triangular military fold is ideal).
• For long-term storage, store the flag flat if possible to avoid deep creases.
• Use a breathable storage bag or container.
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place away from sunlight and moisture — avoid damp basements or hot attics.

For full storage etiquette, see: How to Store a Flag Respectfully.

When to Replace or Retire a Maryland Flag

Eventually, every outdoor Maryland flag will show enough wear that it deserves a respectful retirement. It’s time to replace or retire your flag when you notice:

• Heavy fading, especially in the yellow-and-black Calvert quarters or red-and-white Crossland quarters.
• Frayed or shredded threads along the fly end.
• Tears around the grommets or header.
• Very thin, worn fabric that’s starting to look see-through.

Worn flags should be retired respectfully, not thrown away. Many American Legion, VFW, and civic organizations in Maryland hold flag retirement ceremonies throughout the year.

FAQs — Maryland Flag Size & Display

What size Maryland flag is best for a house?
For most Maryland homes, a 3' × 5' Maryland flag on a 5'–6' house-mount pole or a 15'–20' in-ground pole is the standard and best-looking choice.

What size Maryland flag should I use on a 20-foot pole?
A 3' × 5' Maryland flag works very well on a 20' pole. If your property is large or set back from the road, you can upgrade to a 4' × 6', as long as the pole and hardware are rated for the additional wind load.

Can I fly the Maryland flag indoors?
Yes. For indoor presentation sets, a 3' × 5' or 4' × 6' indoor/pole-sleeve Maryland flag is standard for offices, schools, churches, and government chambers.

Which material lasts longest in Maryland weather?
For most residential displays, nylon performs very well because it flies easily and dries quickly. In very windy or exposed locations — especially along the Chesapeake Bay, on hilltops, or open rural property — a heavy-duty 2-ply polyester Maryland flag generally offers the best long-term durability.

Can I fly the Maryland flag with the U.S. flag on the same pole?
Yes. The U.S. flag must always fly at the top in the position of honor, with the Maryland flag flown beneath it. The Maryland flag should be the same size or slightly smaller than the U.S. flag for a proper, respectful display.

Shop Made-in-USA Maryland Flags & Flagpoles

Ready to choose the right size and material for your Maryland flag display? At Tidmore Flags, we proudly offer a full range of Made-in-USA Maryland state flags in nylon, polyester, indoor, and outdoor styles.

Since 1963, our family has helped customers across the country choose the right flags, poles, and hardware for long-lasting displays. If you’re still unsure what size Maryland flag you need, contact our flag experts — we’re happy to help you get it right.