QR Code Size Guide: Minimum Sizes for Print, Posters & Cards (2026)
A QR code that won't scan is worse than no QR code at all. Whether you're printing on business cards, billboards, or product packaging, getting the size right is the difference between a successful scan and a frustrated customer. This guide covers everything you need to know about QR code sizing, print quality, and file formats — with practical recommendations for every use case.
The 10:1 Distance Rule
The most important rule in QR code sizing is the scanning distance ratio. This simple formula tells you exactly how big your QR code needs to be:
QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10
If someone will scan from 1 meter away, your QR code needs to be at least 10 cm. From 3 meters? At least 30 cm. From 30 cm (like a business card)? At least 3 cm.
This 10:1 ratio works for standard QR codes with moderate data density. If your QR code contains a very long URL or a lot of data, increase the size by 20-30% because the module density is higher.
Minimum Size Rules
Below these minimums, most smartphone cameras will struggle to scan reliably — especially in poor lighting or at an angle.
Absolute Minimum: 1.5 × 1.5 cm
The smallest a QR code can be and still scan with modern phones. Only works for short URLs with high error correction. Must be printed at 300+ DPI.
Safe Minimum: 2 × 2 cm
The recommended minimum for close-range scanning (business cards, product labels). Works reliably with most QR code densities.
Quiet Zone: 4 modules wide
The blank border around the QR code is mandatory. Without it, scanners can't detect where the code starts. Never crop into this margin.
Error Correction Matters
Higher error correction (Level H = 30%) makes codes scannable even when partially damaged — but requires more modules, so the code needs to be larger for the same data.
Recommended Sizes by Use Case
Here are tried-and-tested size recommendations for the most common QR code placements:
| Medium | Minimum | Recommended | Scan Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Card | 1.5 cm | 2–2.5 cm | 15–30 cm |
| Product Label | 2 cm | 2.5–3 cm | 20–40 cm |
| Flyer / Brochure | 2.5 cm | 3–4 cm | 30–50 cm |
| Magazine Ad | 3 cm | 4–5 cm | 30–60 cm |
| Poster (A3/A2) | 5 cm | 8–10 cm | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Store Window | 10 cm | 15–20 cm | 1–2 m |
| Banner / Roll-up | 15 cm | 20–25 cm | 1.5–3 m |
| Billboard | 30 cm | 50+ cm | 3–10 m |
| Vehicle Wrap | 10 cm | 15–20 cm | 1–3 m |
| Table Tent / Menu | 3 cm | 4–5 cm | 30–60 cm |
Create Print-Ready QR Codes
QR-Verse generates high-resolution QR codes in SVG and PNG formats — perfect for any print size. Free, no account required.
Generate QR CodeBest File Formats for Print
The file format you choose directly affects print quality. Here's what to use and when:
SVG (Vector)
Infinitely scalable without quality loss. The QR code is made of mathematical shapes, not pixels — so it stays sharp at any size, from business cards to billboards.
Best for: All print applications. Always use SVG when possible.
PDF (Vector)
Like SVG but in a print-standard container. Most print shops prefer PDF files. Many QR generators export directly to PDF.
Best for: Professional print jobs, sending to print shops.
PNG (Raster)
Pixel-based format. Fine for digital and small print if exported at high resolution (300+ DPI at target size). Will blur if scaled up.
Best for: Digital screens, email signatures, small print at known size.
EPS (Vector)
Legacy vector format still used by some print shops and graphic designers. Fully scalable like SVG.
Best for: Integration with Adobe Illustrator or InDesign layouts.
Print Quality Checklist
Follow these rules to ensure your QR codes scan perfectly in print:
Material & Surface Considerations
The surface you print on affects scannability as much as size does:
Matte Paper
Best for QR codes. No glare, consistent contrast. Works in all lighting conditions.
Glossy Paper
Can cause glare under direct light, making scanning difficult. Tilt the paper or use anti-glare coating.
Glass / Window
Works well with vinyl stickers. Watch for reflections and backlight. White background behind the code helps.
Metal / Aluminum
Engraved or etched QR codes work. Printed stickers on metal are more reliable. Watch for reflection.
Fabric / Textile
Woven or printed QR codes work if the weave is fine enough. Test at scale — fabric distortion can break codes.
Curved Surfaces
Bottles, cans, tubes — the curve distorts the code. Increase size by 20-30% and test from the most common scanning angle.
QR Code Sizing for Digital Screens
For websites and emails, QR codes should be at least 240 × 240 pixels for comfortable scanning from a phone screen. On mobile-first designs, make them 300+ pixels wide.
For TV or presentation screens, the 10:1 rule still applies. A conference room presentation viewed from 3 meters needs a QR code at least 30 cm wide on screen.
For digital signage (kiosks, displays), test the actual scanning distance. Indoor screens often have glare — increase contrast and size. A 15 cm code on a bright screen scans from about 1 meter reliably.
Common Sizing Mistakes to Avoid
Too small for the distance
The #1 mistake. A 2 cm QR code on a poster 2 meters away is unreadable. Use the 10:1 rule.
Cropping the quiet zone
Designers love to tuck QR codes into corners. The white border isn't decorative — it's functional. Cropping it breaks scanning.
Low-resolution PNG scaled up
A 100×100 pixel QR code stretched to 10 cm = blurry mess. Always export at target size or use SVG.
Too much data in a small code
Long URLs create dense QR codes. Use a URL shortener or QR-Verse's built-in short links to keep the code simple and scannable at small sizes.
Poor color contrast
Blue on purple, yellow on white — if you can barely see it, your phone can't either. Maintain at least 40% luminance contrast.
Ignoring the environment
A QR code that works in your office might fail in direct sunlight on a glossy poster. Test in real conditions.
Related Guides
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Create Print-Ready QR CodeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum size for a QR code?
The absolute minimum is 1.5 × 1.5 cm for close-range scanning (15-30 cm). For practical use, 2 × 2 cm is the safe minimum. Always apply the 10:1 rule: scanning distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR code size.
What size should a QR code be on a business card?
At least 2 cm × 2 cm, ideally 2.5 cm. Business cards are scanned from 15-30 cm away, so this size works well. Keep the URL short to minimize code density.
What resolution should I export a QR code for print?
Export at 300 DPI minimum. Better yet, use SVG (vector format) which scales to any size without losing quality. For PNG, calculate: size in inches × 300 = pixels needed.
Can I put a logo inside a QR code and still print it small?
Yes, but the logo takes up space normally used for data. Use high error correction (Level H) and increase the code size by about 30% compared to a plain QR code to compensate.
What is the quiet zone on a QR code?
The quiet zone is the blank white border around the QR code. It must be at least 4 modules (small squares) wide. Without it, scanners cannot detect the code boundaries. Never crop this margin.
Should I use PNG or SVG for printing QR codes?
SVG whenever possible. It's a vector format that stays perfectly sharp at any size. Use PNG only for digital screens or when you know the exact print size and can export at 300+ DPI.
How big should a QR code be on a poster?
For an A3/A2 poster viewed from 0.5-1.5 meters, use 8-10 cm. For larger posters or billboards viewed from further away, apply the 10:1 rule: 1 meter scanning distance = 10 cm code size.
Do colored QR codes need to be bigger?
Not necessarily bigger, but they need sufficient contrast. Dark-colored modules on a light background work best. Avoid light or pastel colors for the QR modules — they reduce scan reliability regardless of size.
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