QR Code Size Guide for Print
A QR code that is too small or too crowded won't scan, however good it looks. Use this guide to pick the right size for business cards, menus, posters and signs.
The short answer
- Minimum size: 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 in) for codes scanned close up.
- Distance rule: make the code about one tenth as wide as the scanning distance. Scanned from 1 m away? Make it at least 10 cm wide.
- Less content, smaller code: short links make simpler patterns that scan at smaller sizes.
Recommended sizes by use
Business cards & labels
2–2.5 cm. Scanned from 10–25 cm. Keep the content short, such as a link or a compact vCard.
Table cards & flyers
3–4 cm. Scanned from 30–40 cm, often in mixed lighting.
Posters & window signs
10–20 cm. Scanned from 1–2 m.
Banners & large signs
30 cm or more. Scanned from 3 m or further; use the one-tenth rule.
These are practical starting points. Always scan a printed proof at the real distance before ordering a full run.
Why content changes the size you need
A QR code is a grid of small squares called modules. The more characters you store, the more modules the code needs — so at the same printed size, each module becomes smaller and harder for a camera to see.
- A short link like
yourbrand.com/menumakes a simple, open pattern. - A long link with tracking parameters, a full vCard or a long message makes a dense one that needs more space.
- Higher error correction, which logo QR codes use, also adds modules.
If a code must be small, shorten the content first. A short path on your own website is safer than a third-party link shortener.
Leave a quiet zone
Scanners need a clear, empty border around the code — the quiet zone. The QR standard asks for a margin at least four modules wide. Don't let text, photos, folds or the edge of the card cut into it; a missing quiet zone is one of the most common reasons printed codes fail.
Resolution: PNG or SVG for print
SVG is a vector file, so it prints perfectly sharp at any size — from a business card to a banner. It is the best choice to give a printer or designer.
PNG downloads go up to 2000 × 2000 px. At a typical print quality of 300 dpi, that covers codes up to about 17 cm wide; beyond that, use the SVG. Never stretch a small PNG — blurry edges make codes harder to read.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest size a QR code can be?
Around 2 × 2 cm (0.8 in) is a reliable minimum for codes with short content scanned up close. Smaller codes can work, but test them carefully on several phones.
How do I calculate QR code size from scanning distance?
Divide the scanning distance by ten. A code read from 2 metres away should be at least 20 cm wide. Increase it further for dense content or poor lighting.
Does adding a logo mean the code must be bigger?
Slightly. Logo QR codes use the highest error correction, which adds modules, and the logo covers part of the pattern. Give them a little more size than a plain code and test before printing.
Should I send my printer a PNG or an SVG?
Send the SVG. It is a vector file that stays sharp at any size and can be placed directly into print layouts.
Why won't my printed QR code scan?
The usual causes are a code that is too small for the distance, too much content, low contrast, a missing margin around the code, or a glossy surface causing glare. Fix the cause and print a new proof.
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