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UK flag sizes are usually quoted in feet or inches, length first and height second. A 5x3 flag is 5ft long by 3ft high (150 x 90 cm), a 3x2 is 90 x 60 cm and an 8x5 is 240 x 150 cm. Yard sizes, such as 1 or 2 yard, are a separate traditional system in a longer 2:1 shape, used mainly on flagpoles.
Quick answer: 5x3ft (150 x 90 cm) is the standard flag size for most uses. Choose 3x2 for small wall poles and indoor display, 8x5 for large poles and big spaces, and yard sizes when you want the traditional flagpole shape.
How flag sizes are written
A flag size has two measurements. The first is the length, called the fly, running from the pole side to the free end. The second is the height, called the hoist, which is the edge that attaches to the pole. So "5x3" means 5ft along the fly and 3ft down the hoist.
Most UK suppliers still describe flags in imperial units because that is how the trade has always sized them. You will often see a metric figure alongside. These are rounded conversions rather than exact ones: 5ft is a little over 150 cm, but the flag is described as 150 x 90 cm. Small flags, such as table, hand and bunting flags, are usually given in inches, for example 9x6in.
Feet and inches to centimetres
- 6x4in = 15 x 10 cm
- 9x6in = 22.5 x 15 cm
- 18x12in = 45 x 30 cm
- 20x12in = 50 x 30 cm
- 3x2ft = 90 x 60 cm
- 5x3ft = 150 x 90 cm
- 8x5ft = 240 x 150 cm
Proportions: 5:3 and 2:1
The proportion of a flag is the ratio of its length to its height. In the UK, land flags are traditionally made in a 5:3 proportion, which is why 5x3ft is the standard size. Our 8x5 flags follow the same general shape.
Ensigns and many flags made for flagpoles use a 2:1 proportion instead, so the flag is twice as long as it is high. This is the shape used for yard sizes. A 2:1 flag looks longer and slimmer when it flies, and many people feel it suits a tall pole.
Neither proportion is wrong. If you are flying several flags together, try to keep them the same size and shape, ideally the same width, so they look even.
Yard sizes explained
Yard sizes describe the length of the flag in yards, with the height half of that. A 1 yard flag is 90 x 45 cm. Larger yard sizes scale up from there, so a 2 yard flag is about 183 x 91 cm and a 3 yard flag about 274 x 137 cm.
In our DuraFlag range, popular designs such as the Union Jack come in 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2 and 3 yard, plus a 20x12in courtesy size, 5x3 and 8x5. Yard sizes are the easiest way to match a flag to a particular pole height, which we cover in our guide to what size flag for my flagpole.
Which flag size suits what
This table brings together the sizes we sell and what each one is normally used for.
| Size | Metric | Product type | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6x4in | 15 x 10 cm | Small table flag on a black plastic pole and base | Desks, reception counters, themed tables |
| 9x6in | 22.5 x 15 cm | Satin table flag, or wooden table flag on a 30 cm pole | Meetings, conferences, formal tables |
| 9x6in | 22.5 x 15 cm | Hand waving flag on a 30 cm wooden pole | Parades, school events, children, crowds |
| 9x6in | 22.5 x 15 cm | Rectangle bunting (3 m = 10 flags, 9 m = 30 flags) | Gardens, rooms, street parties |
| About 11.75x7.5in | 30 x 20 cm | Triangle bunting (5 m = 12 flags, 20 m = 54 flags) | Indoor or outdoor decoration, fetes |
| 18x12in | 45 x 30 cm | Large hand flag on a 60 cm pole; large wooden table flag; giant bunting (18.25 m, 30 flags) | Sports fans, larger events, bigger venues |
| 20x12in | 50 x 30 cm | DuraFlag courtesy size | Small poles where a full-size flag would be too big |
| 3x2ft | 90 x 60 cm | Standard and nylon flags | 6ft wall poles, windows, indoor display |
| 5x3ft | 150 x 90 cm | Standard, nylon and DuraFlag flags | The all-round size: gardens, telescopic poles, events, clubs |
| 8x5ft | 240 x 150 cm | Standard and DuraFlag flags | Large flagpoles, halls, open sites |
| 0.5 to 3 yard | 1 yard = 90 x 45 cm | DuraFlag | Traditional flagpole flying in 2:1 |
Large flags: 3x2, 5x3 and 8x5
Our standard flags come in three main sizes: small 3ft x 2ft, standard 5ft x 3ft and large 8ft x 5ft. They are 100% woven polyester, screen printed, with double-sewn edges and two metal eyelets on the hanging side. They are described as suitable for indoor or occasional outdoor use. You can browse the full range under flags, or start with a popular design such as the Union Jack flag.
A 5x3 is the safe choice if you are unsure. It is large enough to be seen clearly in a garden or at an event, and small enough to fly from a telescopic pole or an 8ft wall pole. Choose 3x2 for small spaces and short poles, and 8x5 only when the pole and the space can take it.
Small flags: table, hand and bunting
Table flags
Small table flags are 6x4in on a black plastic pole with a choice of base. Satin table flags are 9x6in and are used with chrome pole-and-base sets, sold separately. Wooden table flags are 9x6in on a 30 cm wooden pole, and the large wooden version is 18x12in on a 60 cm pole. See all table flags.
Hand waving flags
Hand flags come in two sizes: 9x6in on a 30 cm wooden pole, which suits children and big crowds, and 18x12in on a 60 cm pole, which is easier to see from a distance. Browse our hand flags.
Bunting
Bunting is sold by length, and the flag size depends on the style. Rectangle bunting uses 9x6in flags, giant bunting uses 18x12in flags, and triangle bunting uses flags about 30 x 20 cm. Our bunting buying guide explains how much you need for a room, garden or street, or you can browse all bunting.
Tips for choosing a size
- Measure the pole or space first. For a flagpole, allow about 1 yard of flag for every 3 m of pole.
- Size down on windy or coastal sites. A larger flag catches more wind and wears faster.
- Keep flags flown together the same size, on poles of the same height.
- For indoor display, consider the viewing distance. A 3x2 on a wall can look generous in a small room.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard flag size in the UK?
The standard size is 5ft x 3ft (150 x 90 cm), in the 5:3 proportion used for UK land flags.
How big is a 5x3 flag in centimetres?
About 150 x 90 cm. The metric figure is a rounded conversion of 5ft by 3ft.
What does a 1 yard flag measure?
A 1 yard flag is 90 x 45 cm. Yard sizes are in a 2:1 proportion, so the height is half the length.
Which is bigger, 18x12in or 3x2ft?
3x2ft is bigger. 18x12in is 45 x 30 cm, exactly half the length and height of a 3x2ft flag (90 x 60 cm).
What size are hand waving flags?
Ours come in 9x6in (22.5 x 15 cm) on a 30 cm pole and 18x12in (45 x 30 cm) on a 60 cm pole.
Found the size you need? Browse our full range of flags in 3x2, 5x3 and 8x5, or see our table flags and hand flags for smaller sizes.
