Flag Proportions (Size Ratios)

Flag proportions are generally described as a ratio of height to width (or length) of the flag. A 1:2 flag is 1 unit tall for every 2 units wide. Many countries have a precise specification for the proportions of their flag. These run the gauntlet, from square (Switzerland) to very long (Montenegro).

When many flags are displayed together, it is common to present them in a uniform size. When a flag is displayed alone, it is generally preferable to show it in its official proportions. For the above reasons, we offer our flags of the world illustrations in two versions: an Official version, and, in a standardized 3 to 5 (3:5) version.

Official Size

In the Official version of the Cliptures Flags of the World, each flag illustration is done in the proportions as per the official specifications of that nation. In cases where a nation does not have an official specification for the proportions, the flag illustration is created in what is determined to be the common proportions in use by that nation, typically as the flag is flown on government buildings in that country.

3 to 5 Size:

Sometimes it may be more appropriate or necessary to display each flag in a standardized proportion so that each flag fills an identical space in a design or in a display of many flags. For that reason, we have recreated each flag in a standardized 3 to 5 ratio. These are not distorted or stretched designs of the original flags. Instead, each flag design is modified to fit a 3 to 5 height to width ratio while maintaining the integrity of the original flag design and its elements.

What are the most common ratios?

Ratios of 3:5 and 2:3 are the most common. Many flag manufacturers will standardize their flag production on one of these two ratios. We chose the 3:5 ratio for our standardized proportion because we feel it provides the best base size for maintaining the integrity of each nation's flag design.

Which One to Use?

Although there is no absolute rule, the basic guidelines mentioned above are a good starting point: When many flags are displayed together, use a uniform (3:5) size ratio. When displaying a single flag, use the Official sized version.

We have them both!

We have both Official or 3:5 versions of all of the flags available as individual downloadable flags, as complete sets of downloadable flags and also on the Cliptures Flags of the World CD. The CD includes both the official and 3:5 flag sets.or sets of flags for download for download.