Spain’s flag is a horizontal red-yellow-red triband in 1:2:1 proportions. The official arms are centered vertically in the yellow band and offset toward the hoist.
Specification
Article 4.1 of the Constitution defines three horizontal red, yellow, and red bands, with the yellow band twice the width of either red band. The normal flag is 2:3. On the armorial form, the coat of arms is two-fifths of the flag’s height and its vertical axis sits one-half flag-height from the hoist.
Official color coordinates
CIELAB H* 35 / C* 70 / L* 37CIELAB H* 85 / C* 95 / L* 80Construction notes
Divide the height into four units: one red, two yellow, and one red. Set the length to six units. For the official armorial form, size the arms to 1.6 units high and place their axis two units from the hoist, centered on the yellow band. Use the published state model for heraldic detail.
Historical record
The red-and-yellow design originated as a naval ensign selected under Charles III in 1785 because it was readily distinguishable at sea. Its use broadened during the nineteenth century. The 1978 Constitution fixed the present band arrangement; laws and royal decrees issued in 1981 standardized use, colors, and the current coat of arms.
Source trail
La Moncloa: The State Symbols of Spain ↗
Official State Gazette: Royal Decree 441/1981, flag colors ↗
Official State Gazette: Royal Decree 2964/1981, arms model and placement ↗
