How to Fold a 3×5 American Flag | Ceremonial Triangle

Fold a 3×5 American flag into a tight triangle with only the blue star field showing by making two lengthwise folds, then folding from the striped end toward the union.

The proper way to fold a 3×5 American flag follows the same ceremonial method used for any flag, and the result is that familiar three-corner hat shape. The Flag Code does not require any particular folding pattern, but the traditional procedure produces a compact, dignified bundle. You’ll need a second person for the best results, and the whole process takes less than a minute once you know the sequence.

The Standard Flag Folding Method

The American Legion and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs both describe the same core procedure. It starts with the flag held flat and horizontal, then proceeds through lengthwise folds before the triangular folds begin.

Here’s the full sequence:

1. Hold the flag waist-high and horizontal with a second person at the opposite end, keeping it taut and level.
2. Fold the lower striped half over the blue field, folding lengthwise once.
3. Fold lengthwise a second time, keeping the blue union on the outside so it remains visible.
4. Starting at the striped corner (the fly end), fold a triangle from the folded edge to the open edge.
5. Continue making successive triangular folds toward the blue union, keeping each fold tight and aligned with the one before it.
6. When you reach the end, tuck the remaining fabric into the triangle so the bundle holds its shape.

The finished flag should resemble a three-corner hat or cocked hat with only the blue field visible. For a standard 3’x5′ flag, the folded result typically measures about 13 1/2 inches long with angled sides of roughly 9 3/4 inches.

Why Are There 13 Folds?

The 13-fold ceremony is a well-known tradition, but it is not a legal requirement. The Flag Code does not specify an exact folding method, and the American Legion is clear that no single pattern is mandated. The 13 folds are often said to represent the original 13 colonies, but the actual number of folds depends on the flag’s size and how tightly you fold it.

A standard 3×5 flag generally requires 13 triangular folds to reach the end cleanly. Larger flags are different: the American Legion notes that a large flag may need a third lengthwise fold before the triangular folding begins. So if you’re working with a bigger display flag, expect the fold count to change rather than forcing a particular number.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Most folding errors come from rushing or from starting the wrong way. Here’s what to watch for:

• Folding from the wrong end. The triangular folds always start at the striped end and work toward the blue union, never the reverse.
• Letting the flag go slack. Keep it taut throughout, or the folds will be uneven and the final bundle will look sloppy.
• Hiding the blue field. The union should stay visible on the outside during the lengthwise folds and be the only visible field at the end.
• Folding alone. One person can manage a small flag, but ceremonial folding is normally done by two people working together.

One caution worth repeating: the flag should not touch the ground, floor, water, or anything else while being folded. If you’re folding outdoors on a breezy day, work indoors or lay a clean surface down first.

When to Fold the Flag Yourself

If you’re storing a flag at home, folding it properly keeps the fabric wrinkle-free and ready to display. The same method works whether the flag is new, well-used, or being retired with respect. And if you’re in the market for a new flag, our roundup of top 3×5 American flags covers the best options for outdoor durability and indoor display.

The key takeaway: the traditional method is simple, requires two people for best results, and ends with that clean triangular bundle. The American Legion’s flag-folding procedures spell out the official steps, and the VA’s guide mirrors them.