United States Flag: 50 Stars, 13 Stripes, Meaning & History
Explore why the U.S. flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes, how the design evolved from 1777 to the current 1960 version, standard proportions and Flag Code basics.
What does the United States flag look like?
The flag has thirteen horizontal stripes, alternating red and white, with a blue canton in the upper hoist containing fifty white stars.
The current federal construction standard uses a height-to-length proportion of 1:1.9. Each stripe is one-thirteenth of the flag height, while the union occupies seven stripe-heights.
Why are there 50 stars on the U.S. flag?
Each star represents one U.S. state. Federal law adds a new star on the July 4 following the admission of a new state. The current 50-star flag took effect on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii became the 50th state. See why the U.S. flag has 50 stars and 13 stripes for the full explanation.
Why are there 13 stripes?
The thirteen alternating red and white stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. Congress permanently fixed the stripe count at thirteen in 1818 while allowing the number of stars to increase with new states. The stars and stripes guide covers the rule and its history.
What do the U.S. flag colors mean?
Red, white and blue are commonly associated with valor, purity, vigilance, perseverance and justice. An important historical detail is that these meanings come from Charles Thomson’s 1782 explanation of the Great Seal; the Flag Code itself does not assign symbolic meanings to the colors. See the U.S. flag colors guide for the distinction.
How has the U.S. flag changed?
The basic Stars and Stripes dates to the congressional resolution of June 14, 1777. The flag briefly grew to 15 stars and 15 stripes, then the 1818 law restored thirteen stripes and created the modern rule for adding stars. The current 50-star version began in 1960. Read the full history of the United States flag.
What is the U.S. Flag Code?
Chapter 1 of Title 4 of the U.S. Code contains customs for display, position, half-staff use and respectful treatment of the flag. Most provisions operate as etiquette guidance rather than general criminal penalties. See the U.S. Flag Code and etiquette guide for practical rules.
United States flag quick facts
| Stars | 50 |
|---|---|
| Stripes | 13 |
| Current version | July 4, 1960 |
| First national flag resolution | June 14, 1777 |
| Standard proportion | 1:1.9 |
| Flag Day | June 14 |
United States flag FAQ
Why does the U.S. flag have 50 stars?
One for each state.
Why are there 13 stripes?
They represent the thirteen original colonies.
When did the 50-star flag begin?
July 4, 1960.
What is the U.S. flag ratio?
The federal standard proportions specify a height-to-length relationship of 1:1.9.
When is U.S. Flag Day?
June 14, commemorating the 1777 adoption of the first national flag resolution.
USAGov — American flag facts
U.S. Code Title 4 — Flag
GovInfo — standard flag proportions
