QR Code Size Guide: How Big Should a QR Code Be?
As a rule of thumb, a QR code's width should be at least one-tenth of the distance it will be scanned from — so a code scanned from 1 metre needs to be about 10 cm wide. Always keep a clear quiet-zone margin around it, and size up for dense codes, low light, or older phone cameras. See the size table below.
Print a QR code too small and it simply will not scan. The right size depends mostly on how far away people will be when they scan it. This guide gives you the simple 10:1 rule, a reference table for common materials, and the factors that mean you should go a little bigger. You can generate a high-resolution, print-ready code on this page once you know your target size.
How It Works
Estimate the scan distance
Decide how far away the typical person will be — arm's length for a card, a few metres for a poster.
Apply the 10:1 rule
Make the code at least 1/10th of that distance wide, then round up for comfort.
Add a quiet zone and test
Leave a clear margin around the code, export at high resolution or SVG, and test a printed sample.
The 10:1 distance rule
The most reliable guideline is the distance-to-size ratio of roughly 10 to 1: the minimum scannable width of a QR code is about one-tenth of the distance it is scanned from. A code read from 30 cm needs to be at least ~3 cm wide; one read from 5 metres needs to be at least ~50 cm. This is a minimum — printing larger always helps and never hurts.
Quiet zone and minimum print size
Every QR code needs a quiet zone: a blank margin of about four modules on all sides so scanners can find the code's edges. Do not crop tight or wrap text right up against it. As an absolute floor, avoid printing a standard code smaller than about 2 cm (0.8 in) even at close range, because phone cameras struggle below that.
When to size up
Go bigger than the 10:1 minimum when the code is dense (a long URL or high error correction adds modules), when lighting is poor, when the surface is curved or glossy, or when your audience may use older phones. When in doubt, add 20–30% to the size — a slightly larger code costs nothing and dramatically improves first-scan success.
Recommended QR code sizes by scan distance
Minimum code width based on the 10:1 distance-to-size rule. Print larger when in doubt.
| Scan distance | Minimum code size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 cm (4 in) | ~1 cm (0.4 in)* | Business card, product label |
| 30 cm (12 in) | ~3 cm (1.2 in) | Flyer, menu, packaging |
| 1 m (3 ft) | ~10 cm (4 in) | Poster, table tent, window |
| 5 m (16 ft) | ~50 cm (20 in) | Wall sign, banner |
| 10 m (33 ft) | ~1 m (3.3 ft) | Billboard, storefront |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the smallest a QR code can be?
Avoid printing a standard QR code smaller than about 2 cm (0.8 in), even for close scanning. Below that, most phone cameras struggle — especially with dense codes or a logo.
Does a bigger QR code scan more easily?
Yes, within reason. A larger code is easier to detect and more forgiving of distance, angle and poor lighting. It never hurts to size up; the main limit is the space you have.
What size QR code should I use on a poster?
Estimate the scan distance and apply the 10:1 rule. For a poster people scan from about 1 metre, use at least a 10 cm (4 in) code; for larger venues, scale up accordingly.