One of the most common questions when creating QR codes is: What size should my QR code be? The answer depends on where you're displaying it and how far away people will scan it.
📏 Golden Rule
The QR code should be large enough to scan from the expected viewing distance. Minimum size is 2cm × 2cm for close-range scanning (phone distance).
QR Code Size Guidelines
Here's a quick reference for QR code sizes based on common use cases:
The Scan Distance Rule
The most important factor in QR code sizing is the scan distance. Use this simple formula:
📐 Scan Distance Formula
QR Code Size (cm) = Scan Distance (cm) ÷ 30
Example: If the QR code is viewed from 3 meters (300cm), the minimum size should be 300 ÷ 30 = 10cm.
Minimum Size Standards
- Business Cards — 2cm × 2cm minimum
- Flyers & Brochures — 3cm × 3cm minimum
- Posters & Displays — 5cm × 5cm minimum
- Store Windows — 10cm × 10cm minimum
- Billboards — 20cm × 20cm minimum
QR Code Size vs Data Density
QR codes with more data have more modules (small squares). A QR code with more data needs to be larger to be scannable, even at the same distance.
- Simple codes (URL, text) — Smaller QR code modules, easier to scan
- Complex codes (vCard, WiFi with long SSID) — Larger QR code modules needed
- Bulk data — Higher error correction = more modules = larger QR code needed
Error Correction & Size
Higher error correction adds more modules to the QR code. If you're adding a logo, use High (H) error correction — but remember, this makes the QR code more dense.
- L (Low) — Smallest QR code, least scannable if damaged
- M (Medium) — Good balance, most commonly used
- Q (Quartile) — Larger QR code, good for logos
- H (High) — Largest QR code, best for logos and heavy customization
Print Quality Tips
- DPI Matters — Use at least 300 DPI for print, 72 DPI for digital
- Contrast is Critical — High contrast (dark on light) is essential
- Quiet Zone — Always keep a margin (minimum 4 modules) around the QR code
- Test Before Printing — Always test-print and scan before large production runs
- SVG Export — Use SVG format for print to ensure infinite scalability
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Making QR codes too small
- Not leaving enough margin (quiet zone)
- Using low contrast colors
- Printing on reflective or glossy surfaces
- Printing on dark backgrounds
Digital Display Size
- Website — 150-200px is ideal
- Mobile Screens — 120-150px is sufficient
- Digital Signage — 200-300px for good visibility
- Social Media — 200px for Instagram/Facebook posts
🚀 Create QR Codes at the Right Size
Generate QR codes with adjustable size from 128px to 600px. Export as SVG for perfect print quality.
Go to QR Generator