How do you fold an American flag?

Hold the flag parallel to the ground with two people. Fold it in half lengthwise twice, keeping the blue star field on the outside. Then make a series of triangular folds starting from the striped end, tucking the remaining edge into the final fold. The result should be a tight triangle with only the blue star field visible.

Why is the American flag folded into a triangle?

The triangular shape of the folded American flag symbolizes the tricorn hats worn by Revolutionary War soldiers. When properly folded, only the blue star field remains visible.

What do you do with a folded American flag?

A folded American flag can be placed in a memorial display case to honor a loved one's service, stored in a protective vinyl triangle cover to keep out dust and moisture, or presented ceremonially. Flags that are too worn for display should be retired properly.

How to Fold an American Flag: Step By Step US Flag Folding Instructions

How to Fold an American Flag

Folding the American flag properly is a tradition of flag etiquette that helps prepare flags for ceremonial presentation, display, or storage.

American flags are manufactured to precise proportions, so they always form a neat, tight triangle — no matter the size.

This guide will walk you through the proper steps to ensure the flag is folded according to U.S. Flag Code.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Folding the American Flag

Step 1: Hold the Flag Parallel to the Ground

With one person at each end, hold the flag waist-high and stretch it out so it is parallel to the ground. You can also use any available table that is large enough to hold the flag.

Two people holding an American flag stretched flat and parallel to the ground

Step 2: Fold the Flag in Half Lengthwise

First fold: Bring the lower striped section over the blue field of stars.

American flag folded in half lengthwise with stripes folded over the star field

Second fold: Fold again, keeping the blue field on the outside.

American flag folded a second time lengthwise with blue star field visible on outside

Step 3: Begin Triangle Folds at the Striped End

Starting at the striped end, fold one corner up to create a triangle.

First triangular fold being made at the striped end of the American flag

Step 4: Continue the Triangle Fold Pattern

Repeat the triangular folding all the way down the length of the flag.

Continued triangular folds being made along the length of the American flag

Step 5: Tuck the End into the Triangle

Tuck the remaining edge of the flag neatly into the fold to secure it.

Final tuck of the American flag into the triangular fold, showing completed triangle with star field visible

Once folded, your flag should appear as a triangle with only the blue star field visible — symbolizing the hats worn by Revolutionary War soldiers.

Tip: Sometimes there is too much or too little remaining flag to tuck into the triangle. If this happens, simply unfold your flag and make your folds tighter to get a little more slack.

Need another visual reference? View a helpful folding diagram here ›

Flag Folding Tips

According to flag etiquette, the flag should never touch the ground or floor — even while being folded.
When making the two lengthwise folds, be sure to keep the stars on the outside. This ensures the star field remains outward and visible.

Flag Folding Service

If you'd like your American flag folded professionally, we can help! Our team of flag experts will ensure your flag is properly folded in accordance with U.S. Flag Code.

Learn more about our flag folding services here ›

What to Do With Your Folded American Flag

Once properly folded, there are a variety of things you can do with your American flag.

Memorial Display Cases

Perfect for honoring a loved one's service or showcasing a retired flag. Available in wood, glass, and customizable finishes.

Shop Memorial Flag Display Cases ›

Vinyl Triangle Storage Covers

If you're storing the flag rather than displaying it, use a soft protective cover to keep dust and moisture out.

Protect with a Triangle Vinyl Cover ›

More Flag Etiquette & Care Resources

Our flag experts have put together a number of resources that cover everything from displaying your flag correctly to properly retiring it:

Have Questions?

Whether it's about flag folding, flag etiquette, or any of our flag products — don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-888-697-3524 or contact us online and we'd be happy to assist you!

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