Guides
What size should a printed QR code be?
The right size depends on how far away the code will be scanned.
Short answer
A common rule of thumb is that the code can be scanned from about ten times its width, so a 2 cm code works at around 20 cm and a 10 cm code at around one meter. For business cards and labels, 2 cm to 3 cm is a practical minimum, with a blank border around it.
Size by use
| Use | Distance | Suggested code width |
|---|---|---|
| Business card, label | About 20 cm | 2 to 3 cm |
| Flyer, packaging | About 30 to 50 cm | 3 to 5 cm |
| Poster | About 1 to 2 m | 10 to 20 cm |
| Shop window, banner | Several meters | Scale to about one tenth of the distance |
These are starting points, not guarantees. A dense code, from long content, needs more size than a simple one.
For print
- Download SVG so the code stays sharp at any size.
- If you use PNG, choose the 1024 px or 2048 px option and avoid scaling it up.
- Keep the blank border and do not print text or images against it.
- Print in dark ink on a light background and test with a real phone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest size that works?
It depends on the data amount and the printer. Around 2 cm for a short link is a common minimum, but test your own print.