Flag construction guide
How to Draw the Costa Rica Flag: Ratio, Dimensions & Stripes
A precise construction guide to Costa Rica’s flag using its legal 3:5 ratio, 1:1:2:1:1 stripe proportions and separate rules for the Pabellón Nacional.
Costa Rica clusterOfficial sourcesReference guide
Costa Rica national flagBlue · White · Red
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Costa Rica flag ratio and stripe proportions
Law 10178 specifies a 1.20 m × 2.00 m flag, which reduces to a 3:5 ratio. The five horizontal stripes use proportions 1:1:2:1:1.
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How to draw the Costa Rica flag
Step 1 — RectangleDraw a rectangle 5 units wide for every 3 units high.
Step 2 — Six height unitsThink of the height as six equal units: 1 blue, 1 white, 2 red, 1 white, 1 blue.
Step 3 — Add colorFill the five bands blue, white, red, white and blue.
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Example coordinates for a 500 × 300 graphic
| Band | Vertical range |
|---|---|
| Blue | 0–50 px |
| White | 50–100 px |
| Red | 100–200 px |
| White | 200–250 px |
| Blue | 250–300 px |
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How is the Pabellón Nacional different to draw?
The Pabellón uses the same five stripes but adds the national coat of arms inside a white ellipse on the red stripe. Law 10178 specifies a 30 cm × 20 cm ellipse on the standard 2 m × 1.2 m Pabellón, centered 60 cm from the hoist edge.
Do not add the coat of arms when drawing the ordinary Bandera Nacional. The emblem belongs to the restricted Pabellón Nacional.
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Drawing FAQ
What is the Costa Rica flag ratio?
3:5.
How wide is the red stripe?
Twice the height of each blue or white stripe.
Does the ordinary flag include the coat of arms?
No. The ordinary national flag is plain; the Pabellón includes the coat of arms.
Sources and further reading
Law 10178 — official dimensions and Pabellón placement
Law 10178 — official dimensions and Pabellón placement
