QR Code Size Guide
Recommended minimum QR code sizes based on scanning distance and use case.
Minimum Size by Scanning Distance
| Scanning Distance | Min QR Size | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 10 cm (4 in) | 1 x 1 cm (0.4 in) | Product labels, jewelry tags |
| 20 cm (8 in) | 2 x 2 cm (0.8 in) | Business cards, receipts |
| 30 cm (12 in) | 3 x 3 cm (1.2 in) | Flyers, brochures, menus |
| 1 m (3 ft) | 10 x 10 cm (4 in) | Posters, table tents |
| 3 m (10 ft) | 30 x 30 cm (12 in) | Banners, store windows |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 1 x 1 m (3.3 ft) | Billboards, building signage |
Size Formula
Minimum QR Size = Scanning Distance / 10 This is a general rule of thumb. The actual minimum size depends on the QR code's complexity (more data = more modules = needs to be larger).
Best Practices
- Quiet zone: Always maintain a white border (quiet zone) of at least 4 modules around the QR code
- Contrast: Use dark modules on a light background. Avoid low-contrast colors
- Resolution: For print, use at least 300 DPI. For screen, ensure modules are at least 3px wide
- Testing: Always test your QR code at the intended scanning distance before printing
- Error correction: Higher error correction levels make QR codes more reliable but larger
Screen Display Sizes
| Platform | Recommended Size (px) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Website | 200 x 200 px minimum | Consider retina displays |
| 300 x 300 px | Account for email client scaling | |
| Social Media | 400 x 400 px | Handles compression well |
| Digital Display | 500 x 500 px+ | Depends on display resolution |