How to Draw the European Union Flag: Step-by-Step Guide

The EU flag: 12 gold stars in a circle on azure blue field (ratio 2:3). Not 27 stars — always 12 (symbolizing perfection/unity).

Step-by-Step

1. Draw rectangle — width:height = 3:2 (e.g., 18 cm × 12 cm).
2. Fill background — Pantone Reflex Blue (RGB 0/51/153, HEX #003399).
3. Find center — intersect diagonals.
4. Draw circle — radius = 1/3 flag height (e.g., 4 cm for 12 cm height). Centered horizontally at 1/2 width; vertically at 1/2 height.
5. Place 12 stars — equally spaced on circle (30° apart). First star at 12 o'clock (top). Each star: 5-pointed, upright (one point up).
6. Star size: Diameter = 1/18 flag height (e.g., 0.67 cm for 12 cm). Points touch imaginary circle of radius 1/3 height.
7. Star color: Pantone Yellow (RGB 255/204/0, HEX #FFCC00).

Construction Geometry

• Flag height = h
• Circle radius = h/3
• Star circumradius = h/18
• Star center distance from flag center = h/3

Common Mistakes

• Wrong number of stars (not 27, not member count)
• Stars tilted (must be upright)
• Wrong blue/yellow shade
• Circle off-center
• Wrong aspect ratio

Official Specs

EU official specification (PDF). Vector files available for download.