A 3-by-5-foot American flag is a common choice for a five- or six-foot house-mounted pole. For an in-ground pole, start with the size chart below, then check the specifications for your exact pole. Common single-flag examples include 3-by-5 feet on a 20-foot pole, 4-by-6 feet on a 25-foot pole and 5-by-8 feet on a 30-foot pole.
Pole height helps establish proportion. The final choice also depends on the approved flag dimensions, fabric, wind conditions, mounting system and number of flags.
Manufacturer sizing guidance and linked products reviewed October 18, 2026.
American flag and flagpole size chart
These are common starting points for a single flag. A listed size does not establish the maximum size or wind rating for every pole of that height.
| Pole or display | Common starting flag size |
|---|---|
| 5- or 6-foot house-mounted pole | 2½ × 4-foot banner or 3 × 5-foot flag |
| 15-foot in-ground pole | 3 × 5 feet |
| 18-foot in-ground pole | 3 × 5 or 4 × 6 feet |
| 20-foot in-ground pole | 3 × 5 feet |
| 25-foot in-ground pole | 4 × 6 feet |
| 30-foot in-ground pole | 5 × 8 feet |
| 35-foot in-ground pole | 6 × 10 feet |
| 40-foot in-ground pole | 8 × 12 feet |
| 50-foot in-ground pole | 10 × 15 feet |
| 60-foot in-ground pole | 12 × 18 feet |
| 70-foot in-ground pole | 15 × 25 feet |
| 80-foot in-ground pole | 20 × 30 feet |
The 20- to 80-foot examples follow Eder's published single-flag progression. The porch and 18-foot examples come from Annin's sizing chart; Eder's residential sizing guide gives the 15-foot example.
Manufacturer guides can differ. Annin publishes broader ranges for some heights, including 3-by-5 through 5-by-8 feet for 20- and 25-foot poles. Read those as general selection guidance and check the exact pole's approved configuration before choosing a larger flag.
What do 3×5, 4×6 and 5×8 mean?
Flag dimensions are usually written as hoist × fly. The hoist is the edge attached to the pole; the fly is the length extending away from it. A 3-by-5-foot flag is three feet along the hoist and five feet along the fly.
For an in-ground installation, use the pole's exposed height above ground when consulting a sizing chart. Do not include the portion buried in a sleeve or foundation. For a telescoping pole, check the intended operating height and its instructions.
The one-quarter to one-third guideline
Annin suggests a flag's fly length of roughly one-quarter to one-third of the pole height, especially for in-ground poles. On a 20-foot pole, that gives a fly of about five to 6.7 feet, making 3-by-5 and 4-by-6 useful sizes to compare. This is a proportion guideline; the pole specifications determine what may be flown.
What size flag fits a five- or six-foot porch pole?
Compare a 3-by-5-foot flag with a 2½-by-4-foot banner. Annin lists both for common residential poles. Choose the combination that matches the pole's capacity, attachment system and available clearance.
- Check the pole and bracket: confirm their approved flag size and installation requirements.
- Check movement: allow clearance from siding, roof edges, gutters, porch columns and landscaping.
- Check the heading: a sleeved banner needs a compatible pole; a grommeted flag needs matching clips or rings.
A 4-by-6-foot flag is a substantial step up from a 3-by-5. Before using it on a house pole, confirm that both the pole and mounting system allow that size. For a new installation, see our residential flagpole buying guide.
Why flag area and pole ratings matter
| Flag dimensions | Fabric area |
|---|---|
| 3 × 5 feet | 15 square feet |
| 4 × 6 feet | 24 square feet |
| 5 × 8 feet | 40 square feet |
| 6 × 10 feet | 60 square feet |
| 8 × 12 feet | 96 square feet |
Moving from 3-by-5 to 5-by-8 increases fabric area from 15 to 40 square feet. Size changes can therefore be more substantial than the dimensions first suggest.
Read the pole's flagged wind rating for the specified flag configuration. An unflagged rating describes a different condition. Eder's flagpole buying guide, for example, states that its published wind calculations assume nylon fabric and the suggested flag size. It also explains that the suggested size is not a guarantee for every wind speed.
Fabric weight, weave and construction matter too. Do not assume that any polyester flag has the same characteristics as a heavy two-ply spun-polyester flag, or that changing fabric preserves a published rating. Compare our nylon vs. polyester flag guide and follow the pole maker's material assumptions.
Can I fly two flags on one flagpole?
Use an approved two-flag configuration. Two flags add fabric area and hardware demands; the maximum single-flag size cannot simply be used twice. Eder's buying guide advises keeping the combined area within the recommended single-flag area, along with the applicable pole specifications.
For comparison, two 3-by-5-foot flags total 30 square feet, while a 3-by-5 and a 2-by-3 total 21 square feet. Those totals help explain the difference, but they do not independently approve either arrangement for a particular pole.
Display order is a separate consideration. The U.S. Flag Code places the American flag at the peak when state or local flags share its halyard. Eder recommends a lower flag one size smaller. For flags of different nations, the Code describes separate staffs of the same height and flags of approximately equal size. See our flag etiquette guide for display arrangements.
Check the attachment style before ordering
A correctly sized flag still needs the right heading and hardware:
- Grommets: check their spacing against the clips, snap hooks or mounting rings.
- Pole sleeve: check the sleeve's fit and retention method for the selected pole.
- Commercial headings: confirm the specified rope, thimble and attachment arrangement for a large flag.
Read the finish listed for the exact flag size. A larger version can have different attachment details from a smaller flag in the same product family.
Frequently asked questions
What size American flag should I buy for a 20-foot pole?
Start by comparing 3-by-5 and 4-by-6 feet with the pole's specifications. Eder's general progression starts at 3-by-5, while other residential guidance and some complete kits use 4-by-6. The exact model and conditions decide the final choice.
Can a 20-foot pole fly a 5-by-8-foot flag?
Only if its specifications approve that size and fabric for the expected conditions. Although Annin's general chart includes 5-by-8 in its 20-foot range, that does not establish approval for every 20-foot pole.
What size flag should I use on a 25-foot pole?
Eder's general progression lists 4-by-6 feet. Some residential guides list 5-by-8; confirm the size, material and wind assumptions for your specific pole before upsizing.
Does this chart apply to indoor presentation flags?
Indoor flags need to fit the staff, floor stand, room and selected heading. Use the dimensions specified for that presentation set rather than applying an outdoor pole chart.
Should I use a burial flag for daily outdoor display?
The VA's current burial-flag guidance advises against leaving the flag outside for long periods to protect it from weather damage. Consider a separate outdoor flag for routine use and protected indoor display for the memorial flag.
Shop the right flag and pole combination
Once you know the approved size, compare the available dimensions on our Annin Nyl-Glo nylon American flag listing. Select the matching heading and confirm current availability.
For a complete-system example, the current 20-foot telescoping flagpole kit listing includes a 4-by-6-foot U.S. flag. Follow that product's operating and installation instructions when planning an alternate flag or a two-flag display.
Browse more American flags and flagpoles and hardware. Our flag care guide covers inspection, cleaning and storage after installation.
