Wind Load Map: Wind Speed Chart for Flagpoles
What is Flagpole Wind Load?
Wind load is the force, in pounds per square foot, that the wind places on the exterior of a flag and flagpole when installed.
Safe flagpole design requires knowledge of the loads to which they will be subjected. A number of factors are taken into account when wind load is calculated for a flagpole.
Every pole we sell has it's listed wind rating on its product page, so you'll know what it is capable of. Here are some wind speeds that our Aluminum poles are tested at:
Calculating Flagpole Wind Load Capacity
Maximum wind speeds in your area depend on many factors, including geographic location, whether or not it is in the center of a large city, a small town’s outskirts, seashore, at ground level or on the roof of a high building, etc..
Generally, wind speeds are higher along coastal areas than they are inland. They are also higher in open country rather than in the center of cities.
Wind speed also increases as height above ground increases. Wind exerts a force on the pole as well as the flag, thus both loads must be added to determine total load.
Note: Flagpoles and their associated wind speeds listed assume ten percent of the overall length of the flagpole is buried at or near ground level per industry recommendations. Special engineering may be required for other applications such as wall or roof mounted flagpoles.
In these cases please contact us for help We’d be happy to help find a solution.
How Much Wind Can My Flagpole Take?
The flagpole wind load map above is our general guide for typical wind patterns throughout the United States. Based on where you are located, you should select a flagpole that can handle the anticipated wind load.
You can also contact local weather authorities for local wind averages to find accurate data for your specific area!
It's important to select a flagpole that can support the largest flag intended to be flown in the highest wind speed it may face. Flag sizes do not represent a warranty that the flag size can be safely flown in all wind speeds.
Personal injury, flagpole damage or property damage can occur when flying oversized flags and banners or flying flags in higher winds than recommended.
| Flagpole Details | Max Wind Speed with Nylon Flag | Max Wind Speed with No Flag |
|---|---|---|
| 15’ External Single Stationary Truck | Up to 113 mph | Up to 149 mph |
| 20’ External Single Stationary Truck | Up to 182 mph | Up to 287 mph |
| 25’ External Single Stationary Truck | Up to 124 mph | Up to 209 mph |
| 30’ External Single Stationary Truck | Up to 94 mph | Up to 131 mph |
| 35’ External Single Stationary Truck | Up to 79 mph | Up to 95 mph |
| 20’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 229 mph | Up to 328 mph |
| 25’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 168 mph | Up to 253 mph |
| 30’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 122 mph | Up to 197 mph |
| 35’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 127 mph | Up to 187 mph |
| 40’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 122 mph | Up to 177 mph |
| 45’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 102 mph | Up to 144 mph |
| 50’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 118 mph | Up to 164 mph |
| 55’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 102 mph | Up to 139 mph |
| 60’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 137 mph | Up to 187 mph |
| 65’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 122 mph | Up to 165 mph |
| 70’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 109 mph | Up to 145 mph |
| 75’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 126 mph | Up to 161 mph |
| 80’ External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 107 mph | Up to 144 mph |
| 25’ Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 197 mph | Up to 287 mph |
| 30’ Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 157 mph | Up to 235 mph |
| 35’ Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 181 mph | Up to 249 mph |
| 40’ Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 146 mph | Up to 207 mph |
| 45 Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 168 mph | Up to 226 mph |
| 50’ Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 179 mph | Up to 242 mph |
| 60’ Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 171 mph | Up to 228 mph |
| 70’ Extreme External Single Revolving Truck | Up to 139 mph | Up to 181 mph |
| 20’ Internal Cam Cleat | Up to 151 mph | Up to 272 mph |
| 25’ Internal Cam Cleat | Up to 144 mph | Up to 240 mph |
| 30’ Internal Cam Cleat | Up to 102 mph | Up to 170 mph |
| 35’ Internal Cam Cleat | Up to 107 mph | Up to 167 mph |
| 40’ Internal Cam Cleat | Up to 107 mph | Up to 161 mph |
| 20’ Internal Winch System | Up to 174 mph | Up to 280 mph |
| 25’ Internal Winch System | Up to 112 mph | Up to 192 mph |
| 30’ Internal Winch System | Up to 113 mph | Up to 188 mph |
| 35’ Internal Winch System | Up to 119 mph | Up to 179 mph |
| 40’ Internal Winch System | Up to 141 mph | Up to 204 mph |
| 45’ Internal Winch System | Up to 118 mph | Up to 167 mph |
| 50’ Internal Winch System | Up to 115 mph | Up to 165 mph |
| 60’ Internal Winch System | Up to 117 mph | Up to 166 mph |
| 70’ Internal Winch System | Up to 90 mph | Up to 122 mph |
| 80’ Internal Winch System | Up to 89 mph | Up to 121 mph |
| 25’ Extreme Internal Winch System | Up to 190 mph | Up to 294 mph |
| 30’ Extreme Internal Winch System | Up to 178 mph | Up to 269 mph |
| 40’ Extreme Internal Winch System | Up to 166 mph | Up to 234 mph |
| 50’ Extreme Internal Winch System | Up to 158 mph | Up to 222 mph |
| 60’ Extreme Internal Winch System | Up to 149 mph | Up to 205 mph |
Gettysburg Flag Works Flagpoles
We are one of the very few licensed and trusted flagpole distribution companies in the country. With that, we love to create flagpole resources that give you everything you need to know before making this big purchase. Learn more about our flagpole options with the flagpole portfolio page and our How to video library to learn more!
Shop Our Selection of Sturdy, High Quality Outdoor Flagpoles
We carry a wide variety of flagpoles that can handle a variety of wind loads. Whether you’re looking for a residential flagpole or a commercial flagpole, we likely have an option that will work for you and the flag you’re intending to fly!
You can browse our complete selection of inground flagpoles here.
Need help figuring out which flagpole is right for you? Give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or send us a message online and we can help you find and order the right flagpole.
Have questions? Need assistance understanding the flagpole wind load chart or finding the flagpole that’s right for you? We can help with that! Our team of flag experts have extensive knowledge related to outdoor flagpoles. We can point you in the right direction and advise you on which flagpole will be best and safest for your specific scenario. Just contact us online or give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 and we’d be happy to assist you!