QR Code Size Guide: How Big Should a QR Code Be?
The right 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 recommended size for every use case, with a formula to calculate the dimensions you need.
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:
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum QR code size?
The absolute minimum is 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches). Going smaller than this makes the code unreliable, especially on older phones or lower-quality prints.
How big should a QR code be on a business card?
Use 2-2.5 cm (0.8-1 inch), with 2 cm as the minimum. Business cards are scanned up close at around 20-25 cm, so smaller codes work, but don't go below 2 cm.
How big should a QR code be on a poster?
Use 5-8 cm (2-3 inches) for wall posters, which are typically scanned from a standing distance of 50-80 cm. Make sure the code is large enough to be noticed and scanned without approaching too closely.
How big should a QR code be on a billboard?
Billboard QR codes need to be 60-150 cm (24-60 inches), since they are scanned from 6-15 meters away. They work best when people can approach, such as at bus stops or on building sides.
How do I calculate the right QR code size?
Use the industry-standard formula: QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10. For example, a code scanned at 50 cm should be about 5 cm. Add a 20% buffer for safety and always test before printing in bulk.
Conclusion
There's no single QR code size that fits every situation. 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. Pair the right size with our QR code best practices, then create your code with our QR code generator.
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
Create Perfectly-Sized QR Codes
Our QR code generator creates high-resolution codes optimized for any size. Download in multiple formats.
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