Flags to use with commercial flagpoles

The size flag is determined by the flagpole type, where it is installed (ground mount or building mount or other?), height, geographic region and number of flags displayed.

When one flag is displayed, the horizontal length of the flag should be approximately 1/4 to 1/3 the height of the flagpole. This guideline applies to commercially manufactured ground set flagpoles 20’ and taller. When multiple flags are displayed, the second flag is normally one size smaller than the main flag.

Flags to use with residential flagpoles

Flag size 3’x5’ is the most popular size flag for residential display. The size is appropriate for display with a pole and mounting bracket on your home or with a ground set flagpole 18 to 20 feet tall. Some prefer a slightly smaller size, 2-1/2’x4.

Recommended flag size is determined by flagpole height

When flying one flag from a pole use these guidelines

• 20' pole: 3'x5'
• 25' pole: 4'x6'
• 30' pole: 5'x8'
• 35' pole: 5'x8'
• 40' pole: 6'x10'
• 45' pole: 6'x10'
• 50' pole: 8'x12'
• 60' pole: 10'x15'
• 70' pole: 12'x18'
• 80' pole: 12'x18'
• 90' pole: 15'x25'
• 100' pole: 15'x25'

Other important considerations when selecting the flag size

Flagpole Wind Speed Rating: When available, refer to the wind speed rating and recommendation supplied with your flagpole at time of purchase regarding flag size for your flagpole.

1. Flagpole Maximum Wind Speed rating: the maximum wind speed to which flagpoles are exposed depend on geographical location, whether or not it is in the center of a large city, small town’s outskirts, sea shore, at ground level or on the roof of a high building.
2. Wind speeds are generally higher along coastal areas than inland. They are also higher in open country than in the center of cities.
3. Flagpoles should be selected that are capable of supporting the largest flag intended to be flown in the highest wind speed to which it will be subject.