**Proportions** in vexillology refer to the relative dimensions of a flag’s elements, including the overall ratio of hoist to fly and the relative widths and positions of stripes, cantons and charges. Proportions are typically published in a construction sheet that fixes every measurement against the hoist as a unit. Consistent proportions allow a flag to be manufactured anywhere while remaining visually identical.
**Example**: The construction sheet for the flag of South Africa specifies the proportions of the central Y, its arms and its fimbriation in fractions of the hoist.
**See also**: [ratio](/glossary/ratio/), [construction-sheet](/glossary/construction-sheet/), [geometric-construction](/glossary/geometric-construction/), [hoist](/glossary/hoist/)