How To: Measure Flagpole Rope

Flagpole rope is one of the most crucial elements for flying a flag on most inground flagpoles, but it can be confusing to set up. Quickly get your flags waving in the wind by selecting the correct length and width of rope to make installation easy. In this guide, we’ll cover how halyard is used and what length and width you should choose for your particular flagpole.

What is a Halyard?

A halyard, also known as flag pole rope, is a length of braided fibers used to hoist flags on most external inground poles. Halyards are typically made of durable materials such as polyester to minimize environmental damage and prolong their usefulness.

The most common way to hoist a flag using a halyard is by attaching the flag with clips. For flags sized 4’ x 6’ and under, two plastic snaps can be tied onto the halyard and clipped to the flag’s grommets. For larger flags, two metal snaps should be used instead. Check out our guide for information on how to install snaps on your halyard.

How to Measure Halyard

Now you know you need some halyard to fly your flag, but how long should it be? In most cases, you can simply take the height of your flagpole and double it to determine the length of halyard you’ll need. For example, if you have a 35’ tall flagpole, a 70’ length of halyard is recommended.

The halyard, the rope used to raise and lower flags, comes in three sizes: 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8". The 5/16" size is the most commonly used for flagpoles, offering a balance of strength and ease of use ideal for most residential and commercial flagpoles. For flagpoles over 20 feet or heavier flags, the 3/8" halyard provides added durability.

The thinner 1/4" halyard is best suited for flagpoles 20 feet and under, lightweight or decorative flags, indoor use, or temporary displays. While sufficient for light-duty needs, thicker halyard sizes are recommended for larger flagpoles or heavier flags.

For quick reference, here are the suggested halyard lengths and widths for some of the flagpoles we offer:

What if you don’t know the height of your flagpole? While we don’t recommend climbing to the top of your pole with a measuring tape in hand, there are some other techniques you can try.

One useful method involves filling a balloon with helium and tying it to a long string. Slowly unravel the string until the balloon reaches the top of the flagpole, and create a mark on the string where it first touches the ground. Reel the balloon back down and measure the length to the mark you just made. Then, double that to get the length of the halyard you’ll need.

Do you still require assistance, or are you dealing with an unusual situation? Contact our customer service team by emailing customerservice@flags.com or calling 800-858-8776 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. We’re happy to help you get your flags to #flyproudly!