Custom printed flags and stock flags for all applications

Airport Windsock Sizes and Frame-Matching Guide

Airport windsocks are listed by inlet diameter × overall length. An 18" × 96" windsock has an 18-inch inlet and an overall length of 96 inches.

For a replacement windsock, start by confirming the inlet diameter, overall length and frame style. The windsock inlet must match the frame diameter, but diameter alone does not prove that an existing frame will fit every replacement sock.

If you already have a frame, measure it before ordering. This is especially important for double-hoop or extended-hoop frames made by another manufacturer.

Compare Windsock Sizes at a Distance

Comparison of 18 by 60, 18 by 72, 18 by 96, 24 by 96 and 36 by 144 inch orange windsocks viewed from 100, 250 and 500 yards
Visual comparison of offered airport windsock sizes at simulated viewing distances of 100, 250 and 500 yards.

Airport windsock sizes currently offered

The tables below reflect the active size options in the Custom Windsocks Shopify catalog. They do not add dimensions that are not currently offered.

Heavy-Duty Airport Windsock

Shop Heavy-Duty Airport Windsocks

Inlet diameter Overall length FAA Compliant* size?
10" 36" No
13" 56" No
18" 48" No
18" 60" No
18" 72" No
18" 96" Yes — FAA Compliant*
24" 96" No
36" 144" Yes — FAA Compliant*

Solid Orange Airport Windsock

Shop Solid Orange Airport Windsocks

Inlet diameter Overall length FAA Compliant* size?
8" 36" No
10" 36" No
13" 56" No
18" 48" No
18" 60" No
18" 72" No
18" 96" Yes — FAA Compliant*
24" 96" No
36" 144" Yes — FAA Compliant*

Custom Logo Aviation Heavy-Duty Windsock

Shop Custom Logo Aviation Windsocks

Inlet diameter Overall length FAA Compliant*?
6" 24" No — printed windsock
10" 36" No — printed windsock
12" 48" No — printed windsock
13" 56" No — printed windsock
18" 48" No — printed windsock
18" 60" No — printed windsock
18" 72" No — printed windsock
18" 96" No — the dimensions match an FAA Compliant* size, but printing disqualifies it
24" 96" No — printed windsock
36" 144" No — the dimensions match an FAA Compliant* size, but printing disqualifies it

Personalized Airport Heavy-Duty Windsock

Shop Personalized Airport Windsocks

Current size options are 6" × 24", 10" × 36", 12" × 48", 13" × 56", 18" × 48", 18" × 60", 18" × 72", 18" × 96", 24" × 96" and 36" × 144". Personalized windsocks are printed and therefore are not FAA Compliant*, including the 18" × 96" and 36" × 144" sizes.

FAA Compliant* qualification: Only unprinted airport windsocks in the 18" × 96" and 36" × 144" sizes are identified as FAA Compliant*. FAA compliance requires no printing on the windsock. “FAA Compliant*” does not mean “FAA certified.” Review How We Assess FAA Compliance and confirm the requirements governing your airport or project before ordering.

Match the windsock inlet to the frame diameter

Custom Windsocks currently offers heavy-duty stainless steel single-hoop frames in four diameters:

Shop Heavy-Duty Stainless Steel Windsock Frames

Offered frame diameter Matching offered windsock inlet examples
10" 10" × 36"
13" 13" × 56"
18" 18" × 48", 18" × 60", 18" × 72" or 18" × 96"
24" 24" × 96"

The inlet diameter establishes the frame diameter. The windsock length can vary while using the same inlet diameter, provided the installation has enough operating clearance and the selected windsock is suitable for the site.

A 36" × 144" windsock is offered, but a 36-inch standalone frame is not currently listed as a Shopify option. Contact us before ordering if you need a frame or complete assembly for that size.

The current standalone heavy-duty frame options also do not list 6-inch, 8-inch or 12-inch diameters. Do not assume a larger or smaller ring will fit. Contact us with the required windsock size and installation details.

Single-hoop and double-hoop frames

A single-hoop frame supports the windsock at its inlet. When matching a replacement to a single-hoop frame, confirm:

  • frame-ring diameter;
  • windsock inlet diameter;
  • attachment type and attachment-point spacing;
  • frame and bearing condition;
  • frame-to-pole connection; and
  • clearance for the complete windsock to rotate.

If you have a double-hoop or extended-hoop windsock frame, contact us with the frame dimensions before ordering. Different manufacturers use different hoop diameters, spacing and profiles. Reaching out before purchase is the best way to confirm whether the replacement windsock will fit without alteration or customization.

What to measure on an existing frame

Record the measurements rather than relying on the old product name or nominal size.

  1. Main hoop diameter: Measure across the frame ring that supports the windsock inlet.
  2. Second hoop diameter: If it is a double-hoop frame, measure the second ring separately.
  3. Distance between hoops: Measure from the first hoop to the second hoop.
  4. Attachment points: Record the number, type and spacing of clips, ties, loops or eyelets.
  5. Mounting connection: Record the thread, coupler, adapter, tube or bracket connecting the frame to the pole.
  6. Operating clearance: Confirm the windsock can rotate without contacting the pole, lighting, guy wires, nearby structures or vegetation.
  7. Product labels: Photograph any model, SKU or manufacturer label.

For additional measurement guidance, see Heavy-Duty Windsock Sizing.

What to measure on an existing windsock

Lay the windsock flat without stretching it and record:

  • inlet diameter or circumference;
  • overall length;
  • outlet diameter or circumference;
  • inlet-band width;
  • attachment type;
  • number and spacing of attachment points; and
  • any product label or SKU.

Keep the original measurements and units. Do not round a measured inlet to the nearest offered frame size without checking the fit.

Replacement windsock or complete kit?

Choose a replacement windsock only when the existing frame is serviceable and the diameter, attachment points and frame profile are compatible.

A complete windsock-and-frame kit may be the safer choice when:

  • the existing frame size or manufacturer is unknown;
  • the frame is bent, damaged or does not rotate freely;
  • the attachment pattern does not match;
  • the pole or adapter connection is unknown; or
  • the site requires a complete new assembly.

View the Airport Windsock and Frame Kit.

The active Airport Windsock Kit currently offers 10" × 36", 13" × 56", 18" × 48", 18" × 60", 18" × 72", 18" × 96" FAA Compliant* and 24" × 96" options. Although a 36" × 144" windsock is offered separately, a 36" × 144" kit is not currently listed as a selectable Shopify variant. Contact us for that requirement.

Pre-order checklist

Before ordering, confirm:

  • [ ] the governing airport, project or purchasing requirement;
  • [ ] the required windsock inlet diameter and overall length;
  • [ ] whether the selected size is identified as FAA Compliant*;
  • [ ] the frame-ring diameter;
  • [ ] single-hoop or double-hoop frame style;
  • [ ] attachment type, count and spacing;
  • [ ] frame-to-pole connection;
  • [ ] operating clearance;
  • [ ] current frame condition; and
  • [ ] the exact Shopify product and size selected.

Frequently asked questions

What do the two windsock dimensions mean?

The first number is the inlet diameter. The second number is the overall windsock length. An 18" × 96" windsock has an 18-inch inlet and is 96 inches long.

Which airport windsock sizes are FAA Compliant*?

Only unprinted airport windsocks in the 18" × 96" and 36" × 144" sizes are identified as FAA Compliant*. Printed custom-logo and personalized windsocks are not FAA compliant, even when their dimensions are 18" × 96" or 36" × 144". Read the FAA Compliance explanation and verify the requirements for your installation. Do not describe the windsocks as “FAA certified.”

Will an 18-inch windsock fit every 18-inch frame?

Not necessarily. The inlet and frame diameters may match, but attachment points, ring profiles and double-hoop spacing can differ. Confirm the complete frame dimensions before ordering.

Can I use a replacement windsock on a double-hoop frame?

Possibly, but contact us first. Send the diameter of both hoops, the distance between them, the attachment details and photos. The windsock may require alteration or customization to fit another manufacturer’s double-hoop frame.

What frame should I use for a 36" × 144" windsock?

A 36-inch standalone frame is not currently listed as a Shopify option. Contact us with the installation requirements before ordering the windsock or frame.

What should I send for a fit check?

Send the windsock dimensions, frame-ring diameter, double-hoop measurements if applicable, attachment-point details, mounting connection, photos and any model or SKU information.

Need help confirming the fit?

Send us your measurements and frame photos before ordering. We can compare the information you provide with the airport windsock and frame options currently offered.

Send Us Your Windsock and Frame Measurements


Search