The perfect QR code size depends on where it's being used and how far away people will scan it. Too small, and it won't scan. Too large, and it wastes space. This guide covers the optimal size for every use case, with a simple formula to calculate the perfect dimensions.

Quick Answer

Minimum size: 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches)

Business card: 2.5 x 2.5 cm (1 x 1 inch)

Poster/Flyer: 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches)

Billboard: 150+ cm (60+ inches)

Formula: QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10

The Golden Rule: Distance ÷ 10

There's a simple formula to calculate the optimal QR code size based on scanning distance:

QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10

This is the industry-standard formula used by professional designers and marketers

Examples Using the Formula:

Business Card (scanned at 20cm / 8 inches):

20cm ÷ 10 = 2cm (0.8 inches)

Table Tent (scanned at 30cm / 12 inches):

30cm ÷ 10 = 3cm (1.2 inches)

Poster on Wall (scanned at 50cm / 20 inches):

50cm ÷ 10 = 5cm (2 inches)

Billboard (scanned at 6 meters / 20 feet):

600cm ÷ 10 = 60cm (24 inches)

QR Code Size by Use Case

📇 Business Cards

Recommended Size: 2-2.5 cm (0.8-1 inch)

Scanning Distance: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)

Business cards are scanned up close, so you can use smaller QR codes. However, don't go below 2cm or older phones may struggle to scan.

📄 Flyers & Brochures

Recommended Size: 3-4 cm (1.2-1.5 inches)

Scanning Distance: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)

Flyers are typically held at arm's length. A 3-4cm QR code is easy to scan while still leaving room for your content.

🪧 Posters

Recommended Size: 5-8 cm (2-3 inches)

Scanning Distance: 50-80 cm (20-30 inches)

Wall posters are scanned from a standing distance. Make sure your QR code is large enough to be noticed and scanned without approaching too closely.

🍽️ Restaurant Table Tents

Recommended Size: 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches)

Scanning Distance: 40-50 cm (16-20 inches)

Diners scan from their seats. Make QR codes prominent and large enough to scan comfortably across the table.

🏪 Store Window Displays

Recommended Size: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)

Scanning Distance: 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet)

Window shoppers scan from outside the store. Larger QR codes ensure they don't need to press their face against the glass.

🚗 Vehicle Wraps

Recommended Size: 15-30 cm (6-12 inches)

Scanning Distance: 1.5-3 meters (5-10 feet)

Vehicle QR codes are scanned while parked. Make them large enough to be seen and scanned from a reasonable distance. Never expect scanning while driving!

🏟️ Billboards & Large Signage

Recommended Size: 60-150 cm (24-60 inches)

Scanning Distance: 6-15 meters (20-50 feet)

Billboard QR codes need to be massive. Most effective when people can approach (at bus stops, building sides) rather than highway billboards.

📱 Digital Screens (Tablets/Phones)

Recommended Size: 200-400 pixels

Scanning Distance: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)

For digital displays, think in pixels. 200x200px minimum, but 300x300px or larger is ideal for retina displays.

Complete Size Reference Table

Use Case	Scanning Distance	Minimum Size	Recommended Size
Business Card	20cm (8")	2cm (0.8")	2.5cm (1")
Flyer/Brochure	30cm (12")	3cm (1.2")	4cm (1.5")
Table Tent	40cm (16")	4cm (1.5")	5cm (2")
Poster (A3/A2)	50cm (20")	5cm (2")	7cm (2.75")
Store Window	1m (3.3')	10cm (4")	15cm (6")
Vehicle Wrap	2m (6.5')	20cm (8")	25cm (10")
Billboard	6m (20')	60cm (24")	100cm (40")

Factors That Affect QR Code Size

1. Data Complexity

QR codes with more data have more modules (the small black/white squares). More modules = harder to scan at small sizes.

• Short URL (20 characters): Can be smaller
• Long URL (100+ characters): Needs to be larger
• Tip: Use a URL shortener for simpler, more scannable codes

2. Error Correction Level

Higher error correction allows codes to work even if partially damaged, but adds more modules.

• Low (7%): Smallest, but fragile
• Medium (15%): Good balance (most common)
• High (30%): Largest, but most reliable

3. Print Quality & Contrast

Poor print quality requires larger codes to compensate for imperfections.

• High-quality printer (600+ DPI): Can go smaller
• Low-quality printer (300 DPI): Add 20-30% to size
• Newspaper print: Add 50% to compensate for dot gain

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Small

• Going below 2cm (0.8") minimum
• Assuming all phones scan small codes easily
• Not accounting for print quality degradation
• Using high-data URLs in tiny spaces

❌ Too Large

• Wasting valuable design space
• Making QR codes the dominant element
• Not considering the scanning distance
• Using billboard sizes on brochures

❌ Poor Placement

• Placing in corners where they bend
• Putting on glossy surfaces with glare
• Positioning too high or too low to scan
• Obscuring with other design elements

❌ Skipping Testing

• Not testing before printing thousands
• Only testing with one phone model
• Not testing at actual scanning distance
• Ignoring lighting conditions

Best Practices Checklist

Before You Print:

✓Calculate size using Distance ÷ 10 formula
✓Add 20% buffer for safety (especially for outdoor use)
✓Test print a sample at actual size
✓Scan test print with 3-5 different phone models
✓Test at the actual scanning distance and angle
✓Ensure high contrast (dark on light, not inverted)
✓Include clear call-to-action text ("Scan for menu")
✓Leave adequate white space (quiet zone) around the code

Digital vs. Print Considerations

💻 Digital Screens

Resolution: 300x300px minimum, 500x500px ideal
File format: PNG or SVG (vector)
Retina displays: Double resolution (@2x)
Dark mode: Invert colors (light code on dark)

🖨️ Print Materials

Resolution: 300 DPI minimum at final size
File format: Vector (SVG, EPS, PDF) preferred
Color mode: CMYK for professional printing
Bleed: Add 3mm bleed if near edge

Conclusion

The perfect QR code size isn't one-size-fits-all. Use the Distance ÷ 10 formula as your starting point, add a 20% buffer for safety, and always test before mass production. When in doubt, go slightly larger—a too-large QR code works fine, but a too-small one is useless.

Remember:

• Absolute minimum: 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches)
• Sweet spot for most uses: 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches)
• Use the formula: Scanning Distance ÷ 10
• Always test before printing in bulk
• When in doubt, go bigger

Quick Answer

Minimum size: 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches)

Business card: 2.5 x 2.5 cm (1 x 1 inch)

Poster/Flyer: 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches)

Billboard: 150+ cm (60+ inches)

Formula: QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10

The Golden Rule: Distance ÷ 10

There's a simple formula to calculate the optimal QR code size based on scanning distance:

QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10

This is the industry-standard formula used by professional designers and marketers

Examples Using the Formula:

Business Card (scanned at 20cm / 8 inches):

20cm ÷ 10 = 2cm (0.8 inches)

Table Tent (scanned at 30cm / 12 inches):

30cm ÷ 10 = 3cm (1.2 inches)

Poster on Wall (scanned at 50cm / 20 inches):

50cm ÷ 10 = 5cm (2 inches)

Billboard (scanned at 6 meters / 20 feet):

600cm ÷ 10 = 60cm (24 inches)

QR Code Size by Use Case

📇 Business Cards

Recommended Size: 2-2.5 cm (0.8-1 inch)

Scanning Distance: 20-25 cm (8-10 inches)

Business cards are scanned up close, so you can use smaller QR codes. However, don't go below 2cm or older phones may struggle to scan.

📄 Flyers & Brochures

Recommended Size: 3-4 cm (1.2-1.5 inches)

Scanning Distance: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)

Flyers are typically held at arm's length. A 3-4cm QR code is easy to scan while still leaving room for your content.

🪧 Posters

Recommended Size: 5-8 cm (2-3 inches)

Scanning Distance: 50-80 cm (20-30 inches)

Wall posters are scanned from a standing distance. Make sure your QR code is large enough to be noticed and scanned without approaching too closely.

🍽️ Restaurant Table Tents

Recommended Size: 4-5 cm (1.5-2 inches)

Scanning Distance: 40-50 cm (16-20 inches)

Diners scan from their seats. Make QR codes prominent and large enough to scan comfortably across the table.

🏪 Store Window Displays

Recommended Size: 10-15 cm (4-6 inches)

Scanning Distance: 1-1.5 meters (3-5 feet)

Window shoppers scan from outside the store. Larger QR codes ensure they don't need to press their face against the glass.

🚗 Vehicle Wraps

Recommended Size: 15-30 cm (6-12 inches)

Scanning Distance: 1.5-3 meters (5-10 feet)

Vehicle QR codes are scanned while parked. Make them large enough to be seen and scanned from a reasonable distance. Never expect scanning while driving!

🏟️ Billboards & Large Signage

Recommended Size: 60-150 cm (24-60 inches)

Scanning Distance: 6-15 meters (20-50 feet)

Billboard QR codes need to be massive. Most effective when people can approach (at bus stops, building sides) rather than highway billboards.

📱 Digital Screens (Tablets/Phones)

Recommended Size: 200-400 pixels

Scanning Distance: 30-40 cm (12-16 inches)

For digital displays, think in pixels. 200x200px minimum, but 300x300px or larger is ideal for retina displays.

Complete Size Reference Table

Use Case	Scanning Distance	Minimum Size	Recommended Size
Business Card	20cm (8")	2cm (0.8")	2.5cm (1")
Flyer/Brochure	30cm (12")	3cm (1.2")	4cm (1.5")
Table Tent	40cm (16")	4cm (1.5")	5cm (2")
Poster (A3/A2)	50cm (20")	5cm (2")	7cm (2.75")
Store Window	1m (3.3')	10cm (4")	15cm (6")
Vehicle Wrap	2m (6.5')	20cm (8")	25cm (10")
Billboard	6m (20')	60cm (24")	100cm (40")

Factors That Affect QR Code Size

1. Data Complexity

QR codes with more data have more modules (the small black/white squares). More modules = harder to scan at small sizes.

• Short URL (20 characters): Can be smaller
• Long URL (100+ characters): Needs to be larger
• Tip: Use a URL shortener for simpler, more scannable codes

2. Error Correction Level

Higher error correction allows codes to work even if partially damaged, but adds more modules.

• Low (7%): Smallest, but fragile
• Medium (15%): Good balance (most common)
• High (30%): Largest, but most reliable

3. Print Quality & Contrast

Poor print quality requires larger codes to compensate for imperfections.

• High-quality printer (600+ DPI): Can go smaller
• Low-quality printer (300 DPI): Add 20-30% to size
• Newspaper print: Add 50% to compensate for dot gain

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Small

• Going below 2cm (0.8") minimum
• Assuming all phones scan small codes easily
• Not accounting for print quality degradation
• Using high-data URLs in tiny spaces

❌ Too Large

• Wasting valuable design space
• Making QR codes the dominant element
• Not considering the scanning distance
• Using billboard sizes on brochures

❌ Poor Placement

• Placing in corners where they bend
• Putting on glossy surfaces with glare
• Positioning too high or too low to scan
• Obscuring with other design elements

❌ Skipping Testing

• Not testing before printing thousands
• Only testing with one phone model
• Not testing at actual scanning distance
• Ignoring lighting conditions

Best Practices Checklist

Before You Print:

✓Calculate size using Distance ÷ 10 formula
✓Add 20% buffer for safety (especially for outdoor use)
✓Test print a sample at actual size
✓Scan test print with 3-5 different phone models
✓Test at the actual scanning distance and angle
✓Ensure high contrast (dark on light, not inverted)
✓Include clear call-to-action text ("Scan for menu")
✓Leave adequate white space (quiet zone) around the code

Digital vs. Print Considerations

💻 Digital Screens

Resolution: 300x300px minimum, 500x500px ideal
File format: PNG or SVG (vector)
Retina displays: Double resolution (@2x)
Dark mode: Invert colors (light code on dark)

🖨️ Print Materials

Resolution: 300 DPI minimum at final size
File format: Vector (SVG, EPS, PDF) preferred
Color mode: CMYK for professional printing
Bleed: Add 3mm bleed if near edge

Conclusion

Remember:

• Absolute minimum: 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches)
• Sweet spot for most uses: 3-5 cm (1.2-2 inches)
• Use the formula: Scanning Distance ÷ 10
• Always test before printing in bulk
• When in doubt, go bigger

QR Code Size Guide: How Big Should a QR Code Be?

Quick Answer

The Golden Rule: Distance ÷ 10

Examples Using the Formula:

QR Code Size by Use Case

📇 Business Cards

📄 Flyers & Brochures

🪧 Posters

🍽️ Restaurant Table Tents

🏪 Store Window Displays

🚗 Vehicle Wraps

🏟️ Billboards & Large Signage

📱 Digital Screens (Tablets/Phones)

Complete Size Reference Table

Factors That Affect QR Code Size

1. Data Complexity

2. Error Correction Level

3. Print Quality & Contrast

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Small

❌ Too Large

❌ Poor Placement

❌ Skipping Testing

Best Practices Checklist

Before You Print:

Digital vs. Print Considerations

💻 Digital Screens

🖨️ Print Materials

Conclusion

Remember:

Create Perfectly-Sized QR Codes

Related Content

QR Code Size Calculator Guide

QR Code Best Practices

Do QR Codes Expire?

QR Code Size Guide: How Big Should a QR Code Be?

Quick Answer

The Golden Rule: Distance ÷ 10

Examples Using the Formula:

QR Code Size by Use Case

📇 Business Cards

📄 Flyers & Brochures

🪧 Posters

🍽️ Restaurant Table Tents

🏪 Store Window Displays

🚗 Vehicle Wraps

🏟️ Billboards & Large Signage

📱 Digital Screens (Tablets/Phones)

Complete Size Reference Table

Factors That Affect QR Code Size

1. Data Complexity

2. Error Correction Level

3. Print Quality & Contrast

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Too Small

❌ Too Large

❌ Poor Placement

❌ Skipping Testing

Best Practices Checklist

Before You Print:

Digital vs. Print Considerations

💻 Digital Screens

🖨️ Print Materials

Conclusion

Remember:

Create Perfectly-Sized QR Codes

Related Content

QR Code Size Calculator Guide

QR Code Best Practices

Do QR Codes Expire?