Ohio Flag – Official Ohio State Flag

Ohio Flag – The Only Non-Rectangular State Flag in America

The Ohio state flag is one of the most distinctive flags in the country — and the only non-rectangular state flag in the United States. Its swallowtail burgee shape features a triangular blue field with a large circular "O" representing both Ohio and the Buckeye nut, surrounded by 17 stars marking Ohio's admission as the 17th state. Five red and white stripes represent the state's roads and waterways — the Ohio River and Lake Erie. The design was created by architect John Eisenmann and officially adopted on May 9, 1902.

Every Ohio flag at Tidmore Flags is made in the USA — sewn in the correct swallowtail burgee shape with reinforced headers, brass grommets, and colorfast dyes. No imported flags, no rectangular substitutes. Shop the Ohio nylon flag →

Nylon or Polyester — Which Ohio Flag Is Right for You?

Nylon Ohio Flag — The best all-around choice for most Ohio homes and businesses. Nylon is lightweight, flies easily in a moderate breeze, dries quickly, and holds the deep blue and red of the Ohio burgee well under UV exposure. The right choice for most residential flagpoles across Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton, and inland Ohio. Shop the Ohio nylon flag →

Polyester Ohio Flag — Built for tougher conditions. If you're on the Lake Erie shoreline in Cleveland, Toledo, or Sandusky where lake-effect weather creates unpredictable and often severe conditions — lake-effect snow, strong winds, and freezing temperatures — our heavy-duty 2-ply polyester Ohio flag holds up longer where nylon would wear out faster. The swallowtail tips are particularly vulnerable to fraying in sustained high winds, making polyester the smarter investment for northern Ohio locations. Shop the Ohio polyester flag →

Ohio Flag Sizes and Pole Recommendations

Our Ohio flags are available in multiple sizes. Because the Ohio burgee is a non-rectangular shape, sizing works slightly differently than standard state flags — the measurements refer to the overall dimensions of the flag including the swallowtail. Use our Flag Size Calculator to find the right Ohio flag size for your pole height, or see our Ohio state flag size guide for full details.

Why the Ohio Flag Is Called a Burgee

The Ohio state flag is technically classified as a burgee — a swallowtail pennant shape traditionally associated with naval and cavalry flags. The forked fly end gives the flag its distinctive silhouette and makes it immediately recognizable as Ohio's among all 50 state flags. The swallowtail cut also reduces wind resistance compared to a rectangular flag, which can actually extend the flag's lifespan in windy conditions. Ohio is proud of this unique distinction and it's one reason the Ohio flag consistently ranks among the most well-designed state flags in the country. Ready to fly one? Shop the Ohio flag →

Flying an Ohio Flag in Lake Erie Snow Belt Conditions

Northern Ohio's Lake Erie snow belt creates some of the toughest flag conditions in the Midwest. Lake-effect snow, sustained winter winds, and freezing temperatures accelerate flag wear significantly faster than in southern Ohio. A quality nylon Ohio flag flown daily in northern Ohio typically lasts 4 to 9 months — shorter than the 6 to 12 months you'd expect in Columbus or Cincinnati. Always bring your flag in during tornado and severe storm warnings, and use marine-grade hardware near the Lake Erie shoreline to resist moisture and corrosion. For the best durability in northern Ohio, the polyester Ohio flag is the better investment.

Pair Your Ohio Flag With an American Flag

Flying the Ohio flag alongside the U.S. flag is a common display for homes, businesses, schools, and government buildings across the state. Our American Flag and Ohio Flag Nylon Bundle pairs both flags in matching nylon — sized and finished to fly together properly. For Lake Erie and high-wind locations, our American Flag and Ohio Polyester Flag Bundle pairs both in heavy-duty 2-ply.

Indoor Ohio State Flag

Ohio's distinctive swallowtail burgee shape is one of the most striking indoor ceremonial flags in the country. For schools, courtrooms, government offices, and ceremonial spaces, our Ohio indoor flag with pole hem and gold fringe is the traditional choice. Our Ohio Presentation Set includes the flag, pole, base, and ornament — everything needed for a complete indoor display. Shop the Ohio Presentation Set →

Buying Ohio Flags for Schools, Businesses, or Government Buildings?

We regularly supply Ohio state flags to school districts, city halls, military installations, and commercial properties across the state. We offer bulk pricing and tax-exempt quotes for qualifying orders. Contact our flag experts or call 800-321-3524 Mon–Thu 8am–5pm CST, Fri 8am–4pm CST.

The Meaning of the Ohio Burgee: The Buckeye State

Adopted in 1902, the Ohio flag was designed by architect John Eisenmann for the Pan-American Exposition. The swallowtail burgee shape represents the hills and valleys of Ohio and is the only non-rectangular state flag in the Union. The large circular "O" in the center represents both the first letter of "Ohio" and a Buckeye nut — the state's most famous symbol. The 17 stars grouped around the "O" represent Ohio as the 17th state admitted to the Union, with 13 stars to the