Flag of United States

Official Palette

• #B22234
• #FFFFFF
• #3C3B6E

Symbolism

The 50 stars represent the 50 states of the Union, and the 13 stripes represent the original thirteen colonies. Red symbolizes hardiness and valor, white symbolizes purity and innocence, and blue symbolizes vigilance, perseverance, and justice.

History

The current 50-star design was created by 17-year-old Robert G. Heft in 1958 as a school project (he received a B- for it). It was officially adopted on July 4, 1960, after Hawaii joined the Union.

Construction

The flag has a unique 10:19 aspect ratio. It features 13 horizontal stripes (7 red, 6 white) and a blue canton containing 50 white, five-pointed stars.

Color Meanings

Lookalike Comparison

Side-by-side analysis of high-confusion flags, comparing exact color shades, proportions, and historical divergence.

Direct Lookalike Comparison

United States 10:19

Liberia 10:19

Quick Tell

The United States has 50 stars and 13 stripes; Liberia has one star and 11 stripes.

Historical Divergence

The 50-star United States flag dates to July 4, 1960. Liberia's single-star flag dates to July 26, 1847.

Practice in Similarities Mode

Flags with resemblance

Both use stripes and a blue canton at 10:19. The United States has 50 stars and 13 stripes; Liberia has one star and 11 stripes.

Related flags

Flag Protocol

• The flag should be illuminated if flown at night
• It should never touch the ground or anything beneath it
• When the flag is so worn it is no longer fit for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning