Flags are seen at homes, businesses, schools, and municipal buildings across the United States and beyond. Each one can show a sense of patriotism, love for a state, or passion for a sports team. 

No matter why you want to fly a flag, you probably have questions about what kind you should get and what size is right for it.

Best Dimensions for an Outdoor Flag

First, decide what kind of flag you want. The most common choice is the American flag. Then you’ll want to consider what material works best for you. Flags come in cotton, nylon, polyester, and more. 

After you have this information ready, the next step is to decide how large your flag should be. A flag that is too small for the flagpole may not be noticed, while one that is overly large can look ostentatious.

When considering the dimensions of your flag, think about what it will be flying from. Are you adding a flagpole to a home or business? Will it fly from the front porch? This will give insight into the right size to look good and catch people’s eyes.

Choosing a House Flag Size

Most homeowners choose a 3x5 foot flag for hanging on the home. The flags are typically placed on a 15-foot flagpole. However, you can choose a larger pole for the home. If it exceeds 20 feet, the flag should be larger. For instance, go with a 4x6 foot flag in this case.

Selecting a Flagpole Flag Size

For those using a flagpole in the ground, you have more choices in terms of size. However, the basic idea is to choose a flag that is one-quarter to one-fourth the height of the flagpole you select. 

As an example, maybe you choose a standard 20-foot flagpole. If you take 20 divided by four, you get five feet for the length. This means a typical 3x5-foot flag is still ideal.

On the other hand, it’s not required to use this size. Some individuals will prefer a larger flag. In this situation, the flag length should be one-third the length of the flagpole.

When you divide 20 by three, you get just over six feet. This means you can fly a flag that is six feet long, which leads to a 4x6-foot flag. When it comes to width, the flag should be one-fifth the height of the pole.

Flags can make your home or business stand out. They can also be used to show patriotism. Make sure you select the right size flag for your flagpole.