How to Fold a US Flag Properly (Step-by-Step)

What You’ll Need

A US flag (any size, but cotton or polyester works best)
A clean, flat surface (table or floor) or two people (one at each end)
Optional: gloves if the flag is delicate or ceremonial

Step-by-Step

Start with the flag fully extended – Lay the flag flat on a clean surface, or have two people hold it lengthwise. The flag should be completely unfolded with the blue star field (canton) at the top left when viewed from the front.
Fold the flag lengthwise in half – Bring the bottom edge (the striped end) up to meet the top edge (the side with the canton). The stars should now be on top, and the stripes hidden inside. Ensure the edges align perfectly.
Fold lengthwise again – Bring the new bottom edge (now the folded bottom) up to meet the top edge again. You now have a long, narrow rectangle with the blue field visible on one end.
Start the triangular fold at the striped end – Begin at the end opposite the blue field. Take the bottom corner of the striped end and fold it diagonally to meet the top edge, forming a right triangle.
Fold the triangle inward – Fold the triangle you just made inward (toward the blue field) so that the outer edge of the triangle aligns with the top edge of the flag. The flag now has a triangular flap on top.
Continue folding triangles – Repeat the process: take the new bottom corner and fold it diagonally to the top edge, then fold the triangle inward. Each fold creates a smaller triangle that stacks on top of the previous one.
Keep the folds tight and even – As you fold, press down firmly on each triangle to keep the shape crisp. The flag should look like a series of stacked triangles.
Fold until only the blue field remains – Continue folding triangles until you reach the end of the flag. The final fold should leave only the blue star field visible, with the rest of the flag tucked inside the triangle.
Tuck the loose end – When you reach the end, you may have a small flap of fabric. Tuck it neatly into the pocket formed by the folds. The result should be a tight, triangular bundle with stars on one side and no loose edges.
Check the shape – The finished fold should be a perfect triangle, with the blue field on top and all edges aligned. If it looks bulky or uneven, unfold and start again, making sure each fold is sharp.
Store or present properly – Place the folded flag in a display case, box, or on a shelf. If presenting to someone, hold it with the blue field facing up and the point facing away from you.
Handle with care – Always keep the flag clean and off the ground. If it touches the ground, it’s not ruined, but it should be cleaned if soiled.
Respect the flag at all times – The flag should never be folded in a way that allows it to touch the floor or be stepped on. If you drop it, pick it up immediately.

Common Mistakes

Folding from the wrong end – Always start the triangular folds at the striped end, not the blue field. Folding from the blue end will result in a messy finish.
Uneven folds – If your triangles are not perfectly aligned, the final shape will be lopsided. Take your time to match edges exactly.
Folding too loosely – Loose folds create a bulky triangle that doesn’t hold its shape. Press down firmly after each fold.
Forgetting the second lengthwise fold – The flag must be folded lengthwise twice to get the correct proportions. Skipping this step makes the triangle too wide.
Leaving the flag on the ground – Even during folding, the flag should not touch the ground. Use a table or have someone hold it.

Tips

Practice with a small flag or a piece of cloth first to get the hang of the motion.
If folding alone, use a flat table and smooth the flag with your hands before each fold.
For a crisp finish, iron the flag on a low setting before folding (if the material allows).
When storing, place the folded flag in a protective bag or box to prevent dust and damage.
If you’re folding for a ceremony, practice a few times to make the process smooth and respectful.

Troubleshooting

The triangle is too bulky – Unfold completely and start over, ensuring the lengthwise folds are tight and the triangular folds are exactly diagonal.
The blue field is not centered – This happens if you folded the lengthwise halves unevenly. Realign the edges before starting the triangular folds.
The flag is too large to handle alone – Ask a second person to hold the opposite end. This is the traditional method and makes folding much easier.
The final tuck doesn’t stay – If the loose end slips out, use a small piece of tape (on the inside) or a flag clip to secure it. Never use pins that could damage the fabric.
The flag is wrinkled – Lightly press with a cool iron on the reverse side, or hang it for a few hours to let wrinkles fall out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are there 13 folds in the flag folding ceremony?

The 13 folds are often said to symbolize the original 13 colonies, and each fold has a specific meaning in ceremonial contexts (e.g., for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness). However, the practical reason is that 13 folds result in a neat triangle that showcases the blue field.

Can I fold the flag by myself?

Yes, it’s possible to fold a flag alone, but it’s easier with two people, especially for larger flags. If folding alone, use a flat surface and work slowly to keep edges aligned.

What if my flag is made of nylon or polyester?

Nylon and polyester flags are fine to fold. They may be more slippery, so take extra care to keep folds tight. Avoid ironing synthetic materials on high heat.

Should I fold the flag if it’s dirty or damaged?

If the flag is dirty, wash it according to care instructions before folding. If it’s torn or faded beyond repair, it should be retired respectfully (e.g., burned in a dignified ceremony) rather than folded.

How should I store a folded flag?

Store it in a cool, dry place, ideally in a display case or a sealed bag to protect it from dust and moisture. Avoid stacking heavy items on top of it.

Is it disrespectful to fold the flag incorrectly?

Not intentionally. The US Flag Code doesn’t specify a folding method, but the traditional triangle fold is a sign of respect. If you make a mistake, simply unfold and try again.

Sources: US Flag Code (Title 4, United States Code). Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.