• Amercian flag on a pole.usa flag image by MAXFX from Fotolia.com
  
  The U.S. flag code does not specify any official flagpole height requirements, though there are a few generally accepted rules of thumb for flagpoles. Flagpoles need to be in proportion to the flags they bear. A larger flag requires a taller pole, while small flag on a very large pole will look off balance.
  
  

Outdoor Flagpole to Flag Ratio

• The height of an outdoor flagpole can determined by the size of the flag to be displayed, and vice versa. A small 3-by-5-foot flag will look appropriate on a 15- to 20-foot flag pole. A 5-by-8-foot flag will look proportional on a 30-foot pole, while a giant 12-by-18-foot flag needs at least a 65-foot pole.
  
  

Indoor Flagpole Heights

• The height on an indoor flagpole is restricted by the ceiling height of the room. There should be plenty of clearance room for a flag to be lifted into its flag stand without having to tilt the flag. Indoor flag sizes run from 3-by-5-foot to 5-by-8-foot, but in this case a smaller flag will look appropriate on any size pole. A larger 5-by-8-foot flag needs a pole large enough that it will not touch the floor when being carried or displayed. Indoor flagpoles rarely exceed 11 feet.
  
  

Parade Flagpoles

• The height of a parade flagpole needs to factor in both the size of the flag and the height of the flag bearer. Youth groups should only use a smaller flag and pole so young colorguards are not overwhelmed by the flag and are able to keep it off the ground. Smaller 6-foot flagpoles are available from scout shops.