When shopping for flags, many are surprised by the variety of sizes available. Our best-selling Beacon® Nylon American Flag, for instance, is offered in 21 distinct sizes. With our selection, you can find the ideal size for everything from quaint residential balconies to expansive stadiums. 

Choosing a properly sized flag is key to creating a display that is as respectful as it is beautiful. With our 40+ years of flag industry experience, you can count on us to help you choose to best American flag size for your location. 

The Importance of Choosing the Right American Flag Size 

When it comes time to demonstrate patriotism, many mistakenly believe that bigger is better. While smaller flagpoles can technically fly large flags, an inappropriately sized flag can strain the flagpole and shorten its lifespan. It may also cause your flag to look out of place and diminish the intended impact of the display. 

Carrot-Top recommends displaying a flag with a length no larger than one-third the height of the pole to prevent the flag from brushing against the ground once lowered to half-staff. The U.S. Flag Code dictates that the American flag never touch the ground. Beyond being seen as a form of disrespect, a flag that reaches the ground is at risk of staining and becoming damaged as it snags on objects near the surface. 

In short, choosing the right size flag for your flagpole will improve the look and longevity of your display. It will also allow for proper and respectful displays during times of mourning. Following flag etiquette upholds the symbolic significance of the flag, particularly when lowered to half-staff, reflecting respect and solemnity in observance of national remembrances. 

General Guidelines for Flag Sizes 

While Carrot-Top carries a wide range of sizes, choosing the right flag size requires some research. What flag size is best for you depends on several factors, including the type of existing hardware, the location of the display, and the number of flags you intend to display. These guidelines ensure that whether you're hoisting one flag or several, each will look its best and convey the proper respect and pride. 

What Size Flag is Best for My Outdoor Flagpole? 

Now, let’s narrow down the choices for outdoor flagpoles. The size of the flag you choose should correlate directly with the height and type of the flagpole it will fly from. 

If hanging a flag on an in-ground flagpole, the length (the long side of your flag) should be between one-quarter and one-third the height of the flagpole. This helps ensure that your outdoor flag matches the proportions of your flagpole while making sure it doesn’t touch the ground when lowered to half-staff. 

When flying two or more flags on a single pole, ensure the combined square footage of the flags does not exceed the square footage of the largest flag suitable for the pole by more than a few feet. 

For example, on a 20’ flagpole where a 4’ x 6’ flag (24 sq ft) is the maximum size recommended, you could instead fly one 3’ x 5’ flag (15 sq ft) and one 2’ x 3’ flag (6 sq ft), totaling 21 square feet. This configuration maintains proper flag proportions and visual appeal. 

For wall-mount or outrigger flagpoles, the width of your flag (the side where you hang your flag) should measure one-half the length of your flagpole. This helps ensure a handsome display without risking damage to your flagpole. 

Flag sizes chart for in-ground flagpoles 

Here are the general guidelines for choosing an outdoor flag for your in-ground flagpole. Before purchasing, please double-check the manufacturer’s recommendations for the maximum flag size. Many Carrot-Top residential flagpoles are recommended for use with one flag only. Download a high-quality version of our flag sizes chart for in-ground commercial flagpoles.

Our signature outdoor American flags are available in several different sizes, from 12” x 18” to 50’ x 80’! Pair them with a state flag or POW/MIA flag for an elegant flag display that salutes our nation's heroes and showcases your state pride beautifully. 

Flag sizes chart for wall-mount flagpoles 

Whether hanging a U.S. or military flag, house-mounted flagpoles are typically designed to accommodate smaller flags. Flying a flag that is too large for this type of pole may cause it to snap and break, significantly diminishing its lifespan. Use the following chart as a reference. Download our flag sizes chart for outrigger flagpoles.

Flag sizes for G-Spec Sizes

Do you plan to fly a U.S. flag at a government agency or military base? Executive Order 10834 specifies that you should only fly flags of government-specified sizes. 

According to 4 U.S.C. §, the proper proportions of any government specification (G-spec) flag is a 1:1.9 ratio (hoist=width:fly=length). Each stripe should be 1/13 the width of the hoist (the width of the flag from top to bottom), and each star should be 4/5 the width of a stripe. The union (the blue part of the flag), also known as the canton, should be the width of seven stripes and 2/5 the length of the fly (the length of the flag from left to right). 

When flying a G-spec flag, use the graphic to the right as a guideline. Download our flag sizes chart for G-spec flags.

Learn more about G-Spec flags on our blog, “What Exactly is a G-Spec Flag?” 

I don’t know the height of my in-ground flagpole. How do I figure it out? 

A flagpole’s above-ground height refers to the measurement from the ground to the flagpole’s top. You can determine your flagpole’s height in a few ways: 

• You can attach a string or fishing line to a helium balloon and let it float up to the flagpole’s top. Then, measure the balloon’s string to determine the flagpole height.

• Measure the length of your halyard rope, divide the number by two, and add five feet. 

• Insert a broom handle, straight stick or yardstick in the ground somewhere close to your flagpole so the shadows from the flagpole and stick are parallel. Ensure the stick is straight and perpendicular (at a 90-degree angle) to the ground. Measure the length of the stick shadow and the flagpole shadow. Divide the flagpole shadow by the stick shadow. Then, multiply that number by the height of the stick to get the height of your flagpole. For example: flagpole shadow 33 / stick shadow 3.3 = 10 x stick height 3 = 30 feet. Your flagpole is 30’ tall. 

Most freestanding flagpoles outside of homes or small buildings are usually between 15’ and 25’, making a 3’ x 5’ or 4’ x 6’ a safe bet. 

What Size Flag is Best for My Indoor Flagpole? 

Selecting the right-sized indoor flag can dramatically enhance any room. Indoor flagpoles, available in 6' to 12' heights, accommodate various flag sizes to match different spaces. For parade use, ensure the flag is easy to carry and display prominently. This careful selection will not only add elegance but also functionality to your flag use indoors or out. 

Use the following guide to choose an indoor flag for your pole. Download our flag size chart for indoor flagpoles.

If You Don’t Have a Flagpole... 

Don’t have a flagpole? It is essential that you choose a flagpole that matches your surroundings to prevent your display from looking out of place. Once you determine the size of your flagpole, you can purchase a flag. 

Those who want to add an American flag to their homes can purchase an American flag set. At Carrot-Top, our kits have everything you need to display your flag, guaranteeing you will have a flag that works with your flagpole. One of our top sellers — the Beacon® Deluxe American Flag Kit — includes a flagpole, mounting bracket, and flag. 

Installing a commercial flagpole involves additional work. Beyond choosing the ideal place for your flagpole, you may need to secure permission from your city. Generally, your flagpole should be at least 5’-10’ taller than your surroundings to avoid wind blockage and provide a greater visual impact. You should also consider the maximum wind gusts at your location to ensure your flagpole is made from a material strong enough to withstand your local winds. 

Our blog “How Tall Should Your Flagpole Be?” covers general recommendations for choosing the correct-sized flagpole. You may also use our Flagpole Display Planning and Flagpole Buying Tips resource guides for more guidance. If you need more help determining the right flagpole for your location, don’t hesitate to fill out our Contact Us Form for advice from a Flag Pro. 

Choosing the correct-sized flagpole for indoors is a bit simpler. To determine which indoor pole works best for your room, calculate its ceiling and subtract six inches. For most rooms with an 8’ ceiling, a 7’ flagpole works best, but larger rooms may require additional height. 

Most Common Flag Dimensions 

While Carrot-Top Industries sells our signature American flags in over a dozen sizes, our most common and popular flag sizes include the following. 

• 3’ x 5’: a 3’ x 5’ flag is the standard flag size for homes. Approximately the size of a 60-inch TV, this flag size adds an elegant addition to any space when flown on a flagpole, attached to a wall, or hung vertically from the ceiling. Its relatively compact size makes it complementary to any interior or residence. 

• 4’ x 6’: a 4’ x 6’ American flag creates an impactful display on any 25’ flagpole. While not typically used on wall-mount flagpoles, this flag size creates spectacular flag displays next to small buildings, two to three stories in height. A popular flag size for schools, small offices, and other medium-sized buildings, our 4’ x 6’ flag offers a perfect balance of visibility and proportion, enhancing any architectural structure with patriotic flair. 

• 5’ x 8’: Customers interested in creating impactful commercial flag displays often opt for our 5’ x 8’ flags! These flags have excellent visibility when flown atop our 30’ flagpoles. Offices, hospitals, and other large structures between 3 to 5 stories will fly this flag size to make a clear and elegant statement of patriotic pride. 

Learn more by reading our blog “What are the Common Flag Sizes Sold at Carrot-Top Industries?” 

All of our outdoor state, military, and custom flags are for sale in the following dimensions, so you can add them to your display! 

Other Factors to Consider When Purchasing a United States Flag 

There are several factors to consider beyond size when purchasing the perfect flag for your display. For more information, check out our Flag Buying Guide. 

Flag Finish 

A flag finish describes how your flag attaches to your flagpole. 

Most outdoor flags up to 6’ x 10’ are attached to the flagpole using a header and two brass grommets. The header refers to heavy-duty, folded canvas fabric on the hoist (left) size of the flag, and the grommets are the circular rings that allow you to clip or tie your flag to the flagpole’s halyard (rope).  

A header and grommets provide additional durability to an outdoor flag, as the grommets are less likely to wear and cause your flag to detach from the flagpole. 

Larger state and national flags, 8’ x 12’ and larger, have roped headings. A roped heading is a small loop attached to the top and bottom of the hoist, reinforced with galvanized metal thimble to support the weight of a heavier flag. 

As the flags get larger, so does the number of grommets. With very large flags, you may have to purchase additional snap hooks. Flags 15’ x 25’ through 20’ x 38’ have three grommets; a 25’ x 40’ flag has five, 30’ x 50’ and 30’ x 60’ flags have seven, and our largest flag size, 50’ x 80’, has 11. 

While large outdoor flags often have roped headings, smaller outdoor flags may attach to their flagpole using a tab and pole sleeve. Instead of a metal hole that’s pieced through the flag, pole sleeve, or banner American flags, have a tube of fabric alongside the hoist meant to slide over a small flagpole. 

These flags also have a leather tab that can be clipped to an outrigger pole to secure the flag in place. Pole sleeves are more common on indoor American flags, garden flags, and outdoor flags 3’ x 5’ and smaller. 

Flag material 

Once you have chosen the best size U.S. flag for your flagpole, you must determine which flag material is best. The right material is essential for ensuring the beauty and longevity of your display. 

At Carrot-Top, we carry polyester, cotton, and nylon flags. Each material offers a unique set of advantages and disadvantages. Cotton creates a traditional display indoors and temporarily outdoors. Nylon flies in the slightest breeze and creates sparkling indoor and outdoor displays, while polyester withstands high winds and brutal conditions. 

To learn more about flag materials, read our blog post, “Nylon, Polyester, or Cotton: Which U.S. Flag Best Meets Your Needs?” 

Quality 

The average flag lasts 90 days before it is no longer considered a fitting emblem of display. Carrot-Top flags are guaranteed to last at least six months. Choosing a high-quality flag pays off long term because it does not need to be replaced as frequently. When shopping for flags, look for retailers that are Flag Manufacturers Association of America (FMAA) members. This guarantees that you receive a flag authentically made in America, assuring superior craftsmanship. 

Purchase High-Quality Flags from Carrot-Top!  

Whichever American flag size and material you choose, we know you will be happy with your purchase. Carrot-Top offers our exclusive Beacon® Nylon American Flag and Patriarch® Polyester American Flags, which offer the industry’s best six-month guarantee against defects, fading and tearing from your purchase date. Beyond our American flags, Carrot-Top also offers a robust selection of military flags, including U.S. Army flags, Marine Corps flags, Navy flags, Air Force, and Coast Guard flags. 

If you need further assistance determining the right U.S.A. flag size for your indoor or outdoor flagpole, don’t hesitate to contact our Flag Pros.