QR Code Size for Printing
The right QR code size depends on how far away it will be scanned. A simple rule works for almost every case: make the code at least one-tenth of the scanning distance, so a code read from 2 metres should be about 20 cm wide.
How to use it
Estimate the scanning distance
Work out how far away people will stand when they scan, from close-up on a card to a few metres from a poster.
Apply the one-tenth rule
Divide that distance by ten to get the minimum code width, then round up for comfort.
Keep it square and high-resolution
Scale proportionally, avoid stretching, and export as SVG or a large PNG for crisp print.
Test at real size
Print a proof at the final size and scan it from the real distance before the full run.
Tips for best results
Small codes: 2 cm minimum
Business cards and packaging labels need at least 2 cm for close-up scanning.
Media codes: 4–5 cm
Flyers and brochures read from about 40 cm work well at 4–5 cm.
Large codes: 20 cm plus
Posters scanned from 2 metres should use a code around 20 cm or larger.
Export vector for print
SVG scales to any size without blur, so print projects stay sharp at every dimension.
Best practices
Never stretch the code
Keep the QR perfectly square. Non-square scaling distorts the modules and breaks scanning.
Leave a quiet zone
Keep a clear margin of at least four modules around the code so scanners lock on quickly.
High contrast always
Dark dots on a light background is the most reliable combination at any size.
Match resolution to print
For raster images, keep enough pixels — around 300 dpi — so the code stays crisp on paper.
Design examples
Business card
A 2 cm code in the corner, crisp and high-contrast for close scanning.
Restaurant table tent
A 3–4 cm code that reads easily from a seated position.
Street poster
A 20 cm or larger code so passersby can scan without stepping in close.
Frequently asked questions
For close-up scanning, a minimum of about 2 cm square works. Anything smaller risks failing on older phones or poorer cameras.
Use the one-tenth rule: the code should be at least one-tenth of the scanning distance. Read from 1 metre, print at least 10 cm; read from 2 metres, print at least 20 cm.
Use SVG whenever possible because it scales to any size without losing sharpness. If you must use a raster image, export a high-resolution PNG at around 300 dpi.
Bigger helps with distance, but contrast, clear space and a clean, flat surface matter just as much. An oversized code with poor contrast can still fail.
Not well. A small raster image will look blurry when enlarged. Always regenerate the code and export a fresh SVG or high-resolution PNG at the target size.