Use the midpoint of the flag’s hoist
Align the midpoint of the flag’s vertical hoist with the pole midpoint. A marked facility position, military protocol, or specific directive still controls when one is provided.
Free flag height and display planner
Half-Staff Flag Position Calculator
Enter your pole and flag measurements to see the correct half-staff height, the distance below the peak and the proper raise–lower sequence.
Use the calculator
Calculate the Correct Half-Staff Height
Start with your country, pole setup and measurements. The diagram and instructions update automatically; use the button to refresh or print the plan.
The short answer
What Is the Correct Half-Staff Flag Position?
In U.S. use, half-staff means the flag is positioned halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. VA guidance generally places the midpoint of the flag’s hoist at that midpoint, so the calculator reports the resulting top-edge height.
25-foot pole with a 3-foot flag
The flag center is 12.5 feet high. Its top is 14 feet above the base, which is 11 feet below the peak.
Half-staff or half-mast?
Half-staff is the U.S. term used on land. Half-mast is traditional at sea and is also the normal term in several other countries.
Correct procedure
How to Raise and Lower a Flag at Half-Staff
Do not stop the flag halfway while first raising it. The ceremonial trip to the peak is part of the procedure.
Raise the flag to the peak
Hoist it briskly all the way to the top and pause for an instant.
Lower it to half-staff
Lower it slowly and ceremoniously to the position shown by the calculator.
Return to the peak before removal
At the end of the display period, raise it briskly to the top again before lowering it completely.
Common flagpole setups
Half-Staff Rules for Multiple and Fixed Flags
Select your setup in the calculator for a tailored warning. These are the practical checks to make before moving any flag.
Several flags on separate poles
Coordinate state and organization flags so they do not appear above the lowered U.S. flag. Follow the active order and your facility’s protocol for the whole display.
Several flags on one pole
Keep the U.S. flag above state, city or organization flags on the same halyard. The group moves together unless the governing instruction requires another flag to be removed.
Fixed wall-mounted or indoor flag
An angled or fixed staff cannot create a literal half-staff height. A black mourning ribbon is a customary alternative under some protocols, but confirm the rule for your facility before attaching one.
Foreign national flags
Do not treat another nation’s flag as subordinate or automatically lower it under a U.S. order. Follow diplomatic guidance and the other country’s protocol; removal may be more appropriate.
Country comparison
Half-Staff and Half-Mast Position Rules by Country
The word “half” does not produce the same measured position everywhere. Use the protocol that governs the flag you are displaying.
| Protocol | Position used by this tool | Important display note |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Flag center at the midpoint of the staff | Use “half-staff” on land; go to the peak before lowering. |
| Canada | Flag center exactly halfway down the pole | Half-mast only on poles fitted with halyards and pulleys. |
| Australia | Top of flag about one-third down from the peak | The position must look recognisably half-mast. |
| United Kingdom | About two-thirds of the way up the pole | Leave at least one full flag height above the flag. |
Direct answers
Half-Staff Flag Position FAQ
How far down should a U.S. flag be at half-staff?
The Flag Code says the flag is positioned halfway between the top and bottom of the staff. VA guidance generally places the midpoint of the flag’s hoist at the pole midpoint; the calculator converts that position into a top-edge height.
Is the top or the center of the flag halfway down?
Use the midpoint of the flag’s hoist for the general U.S. calculation shown here. Follow a marked flagpole position, military protocol, or facility instruction when one is provided.
Do I raise the flag to the top before half-staff?
Yes. Raise it briskly to the peak for an instant, then lower it slowly to half-staff. Before taking it down, return it to the peak and then lower it completely.
What if my wall-mounted flag cannot be lowered?
Do not claim a calculated half-staff height for a fixed angled staff. Some protocols allow a black mourning ribbon or streamer; follow the active order or your organization’s instructions.
Should every flag be lowered with the U.S. flag?
State and organization flags in the same display are commonly coordinated so they do not appear above the U.S. flag. Foreign national flags require separate diplomatic treatment and should not be lowered automatically under a U.S. order.
Does half-mast mean the same as half-staff?
Both describe a mourning position. In U.S. usage, half-staff is the term on land and half-mast is traditional aboard vessels. Other countries commonly use half-mast for land displays too.