What size should a QR code be?

Too small and phones can't read it. Here's how big to print a QR code, depending on where it goes.

The simple rule: 10 to 1

Make the code about 1/10 of the distance people will scan it from. Someone 1 meter (3 feet) away needs a code about 10 cm (4 inches) wide. Someone 3 meters away needs about 30 cm.

Common sizes

Business card: at least 2 cm (0.8 inch)
Table tent or sticker: 3 to 4 cm (1.2 to 1.6 inches)
Flyer or poster held in hand: 4 to 6 cm
Window or wall sign, read from a few steps away: 15 to 30 cm
Banner or billboard: use the 10-to-1 rule

Things that matter as much as size

Contrast: dark code on a light background.
The empty border: keep some blank space around the code. ScanSpot adds it for you.
Less data = easier to scan: short links make simpler codes that work smaller.
Shiny surfaces: glare can block scanning. Matte paper or lamination works better.

Download big, print any size

Download the SVG for print shops and designers: it stays sharp at any size. For home printing, the Large PNG is plenty. Always test a printed copy before printing hundreds.

Questions

What is the smallest size a QR code can be?

About 2 cm (0.8 inch) wide for short links scanned up close. Codes with a lot of data need to be bigger.

How far away can a QR code be scanned?

Roughly 10 times its width. A 10 cm code works from about 1 meter.

PNG or SVG for printing?

SVG for print shops (sharp at any size). A large PNG is fine for home printers.

Ready? Free, no sign-up, never expires. Make a QR code