What Size Flag for My Flagpole? Flag Size Chart by Pole Height
Share
A flag that's too small looks lost at the top of a tall pole, and a flag that's too big wraps around the pole, strains the hardware and wears out fast. The good news is that picking the right size is easy. As a general guide, the length of the flag (the long side) should be about one quarter to one third of the height of the pole above ground.
Flag size chart by flagpole height
| Flagpole height (above ground) | Recommended flag size |
|---|---|
| House-mounted pole (5' to 6') | 2' x 3' or 3' x 5' |
| 15' to 20' | 3' x 5' |
| 20' to 25' | 4' x 6' |
| 25' to 30' | 5' x 8' |
| 30' to 40' | 6' x 10' |
| 40' to 50' | 8' x 12' |
| 50' to 60' | 10' x 15' |
| 60' to 70' | 10' x 19' or 12' x 18' |
| 70' to 80' | 12' x 18' or 15' x 25' |
| 80' and taller | 15' x 25' to 20' x 30' |
This is a general guideline. Your pole manufacturer's rating comes first, especially for large commercial poles.
When to go one size smaller
- High wind areas. If your pole is on a hilltop, near the coast or in an open field, a slightly smaller flag puts less strain on the pole, rope and truck, and lasts longer.
- Older or lighter poles. If you don't know your pole's wind rating, stay at the smaller end of the range.
- Flying two flags. When you fly a state or military flag under the American flag, the second flag should be the same size or smaller, never larger.
Nylon or polyester?
Nylon is lightweight and bright and flies in the slightest breeze, which makes it the most popular choice for homes and light to moderate wind. Heavy-duty polyester is heavier and more durable in strong, constant wind, which is why many schools, businesses and government buildings choose it for commercial poles.
House-mounted flags and spinner poles
For a porch or wall bracket, a 3' x 5' flag on a 6' pole is the standard. A tangle-free spinner flagpole set lets the flag turn with the wind instead of wrapping around the pole.
Shop by size
- American flags in nylon and polyester
- Large American flags for commercial and municipal poles
- State flags and military flags to fly below the U.S. flag
- Flagpole parts if your truck, rope or hardware needs replacing
Not sure what you need? Call us at 1-800-552-4382 or send us a message with a photo. Flags for Flagpoles is a family and veteran owned flag store in Dawsonville, Georgia, selling flags and flagpole parts online since 1999.