QR Code Size Guide
How big should your QR code be? The right size depends on where it will be used and how far away the scanner will be. Use this guide to pick the perfect size.
The 10:1 Rule of Thumb
Scanning distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR code size. For example, if people will scan from 2 meters away, your QR code should be at least 20 cm wide. This is a starting point — always test in real conditions with different phones.
Recommended Sizes by Medium
| Medium | Min Size | Scan Distance |
|---|---|---|
| Business Card | 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 in) | 15–30 cm (6–12 in) |
| Flyer / Brochure (A5–A4) | 3 × 3 cm (1.2 × 1.2 in) | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Poster (A3–A2) | 5 × 5 cm (2 × 2 in) | 1–2 m (3–6 ft) |
| Banner / Large Poster (A1+) | 10 × 10 cm (4 × 4 in) | 2–5 m (6–16 ft) |
| Billboard / Large Format | 30+ cm (12+ in) | 5–20 m (16–65 ft) |
| Product Packaging | 1.5–3 cm (0.6–1.2 in) | 10–30 cm (4–12 in) |
| Screen / Digital Display | 120 × 120 px minimum | 15–50 cm (6–20 in) |
| Table Tent / Menu | 4 × 4 cm (1.6 × 1.6 in) | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
Business Card
Minimum practical size. Keep data short (URL or vCard). Use high error correction.
Flyer / Brochure (A5–A4)
Standard print collateral. Works well for URLs and WiFi codes.
Poster (A3–A2)
Indoor posters. Scale up if the poster will be viewed from across the room.
Banner / Large Poster (A1+)
Trade show banners, event signage. Use SVG export for sharp printing.
Billboard / Large Format
Vehicle wraps, outdoor signage. Test scanning distance before final production.
Product Packaging
Small labels. Keep URL short and use high error correction for curved surfaces.
Screen / Digital Display
Websites, presentations, social media. PNG at 300+ px recommended for clarity.
Table Tent / Menu
Restaurant tables. Common for WiFi QR codes and digital menu links.
Factors That Affect QR Code Size
Data Length
More data = more modules = denser code. A short URL creates a simpler QR code than a full vCard. Keep data short for smaller print sizes.
Error Correction Level
Higher error correction (L=7%, M=15%, Q=25%, H=30%) adds more modules. H level is required when using a logo but makes the code denser.
Quiet Zone
The white border around the QR code is essential for scanning. Don't crop it out or let other elements invade it. We add 8% padding automatically.
Contrast & Surface
Dark foreground on light background scans best. Glossy or curved surfaces may cause glare — increase size by 20% to compensate.
PNG vs SVG — Which Format to Use?
PNG (Raster)
- • Best for screens and digital displays
- • Fixed resolution — can pixelate when scaled
- • Export at largest size available
- • Good for social media, websites, emails
SVG (Vector)
- • Best for print — scales to any size
- • Never pixelates, always sharp
- • Smaller file size than high-res PNG
- • Ideal for business cards, posters, packaging
Create your QR code in the right size
Download as PNG or SVG. Our generator adds quiet zone padding automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum QR code size?
The absolute minimum is about 1.5 × 1.5 cm (0.6 × 0.6 in) for close-range scanning (15 cm / 6 in). However, 2 × 2 cm is the practical minimum for reliable scanning on most phone cameras. The more data encoded, the larger the QR code needs to be.
Does the amount of data affect QR code size?
Yes. QR codes with more data have more modules (dots), making each module smaller at the same physical size. A URL like 'qrgenerate.app' creates a simpler QR code than a full vCard with name, phone, email, and address. Shorter data = simpler code = smaller minimum size.
What resolution should I export for print?
For print, use SVG (vector) format — it scales to any size without losing quality. If you must use PNG, export at the largest size available and ensure at least 300 DPI at your target print size. Our QR generator adds an 8% quiet zone (white border) automatically.
What is the quiet zone and why does it matter?
The quiet zone is the white border around the QR code. It helps scanners detect the code boundaries. The standard requires a minimum of 4 modules of white space around the QR code. Our generator adds this automatically — don't crop it out.
How do I calculate scanning distance?
A common rule of thumb: scanning distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR code size. So for a 2-meter scanning distance, the QR code should be at least 20 cm. This varies by camera quality and lighting conditions — always test in real conditions.
Should I use PNG or SVG for printing?
Always use SVG for print. SVG is a vector format that scales infinitely without pixelation — perfect for business cards, posters, banners, and packaging. Use PNG only for digital screens and web.
Does error correction level affect scanning size?
Yes. Higher error correction (H = 30%) adds more redundancy, making the QR code denser. This means you need a slightly larger print size for reliable scanning. However, H level is necessary when using a logo overlay.