1. What Are US Flag Proportions?

The official proportions of the US flag are defined by the ratio of hoist (height) to fly (width) as 10:19. This means for every 10 units of height, the width should be 19 units.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the US flag proportion equation:

Where:

• \( hoist \) — Height of the flag (units)
• \( fly \) — Width of the flag (units)
• \( proportion \) — Dimensionless ratio (should be ~0.5263 for standard US flag)

Explanation: The calculator verifies if your flag dimensions match the official 10:19 ratio and calculates what the other dimension should be to maintain proper proportions.

3. Importance of Correct Proportions

Details: Maintaining proper flag proportions is important for official displays, government buildings, and respectful presentation of the flag. The 10:19 ratio ensures all elements (stars and stripes) appear correctly.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter either hoist or fly measurement to calculate the other dimension needed to maintain 10:19 proportion. You can also enter both to check if your flag has correct proportions.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the proportion 10:19?
A: This ratio was established by Executive Order in 1912 and provides the most aesthetically pleasing display of the flag's elements.

Q2: Are there exceptions to the 10:19 ratio?
A: Some military and parade flags use 1:2 ratio, but 10:19 is the standard for most official US flags.

Q3: How precise do I need to be with proportions?
A: For official purposes, proportions should be exact. For personal use, being within 1-2% is generally acceptable.

Q4: What if my flag has different proportions?
A: Non-standard proportions may cause the canton (blue field) and stripes to appear distorted.

Q5: Does this apply to all sizes of US flags?
A: Yes, the 10:19 proportion should be maintained whether the flag is small (3'x5') or large (30'x57').