Printing
QR Code Size Guide: How Big to Print a QR Code
The minimum QR code size for business cards, flyers, posters and billboards, the distance rule, and print resolution tips so every code scans.
The most common reason a printed QR code fails is simple: it is too small for the distance people scan it from. One rule solves almost every case.
The 10:1 rule
Make the code at least one tenth of the scanning distance. If people will scan from 1 meter away, the code should be at least 10 cm wide. From 30 cm, 3 cm is enough.
Practical minimums
| Where | Typical distance | Minimum width |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 15–20 cm | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Product packaging | 20–30 cm | 2–3 cm |
| Table tent / menu | 30–50 cm | 3–5 cm |
| Flyer / A4 poster | 0.5–1 m | 5–10 cm |
| Window sign | 1–2 m | 10–20 cm |
| Billboard | 5+ m | 50 cm and up |
Never go below 2 cm, even for close-up use. Below that, many phone cameras can't focus.
Density matters as much as size
A long link or a full contact card creates a code with more, smaller modules (the little squares). Dense codes need more space. If your code must be small, shorten the content: use a short link, or include fewer contact fields.
Leave a quiet zone
Scanners need an empty margin around the code, ideally four modules wide. Don't let text, borders or images touch the code edges.
Resolution and file type
For print, use SVG (vector), which is sharp at any size. If you must use PNG, export enough pixels: at 300 dpi, a 1024 px code prints sharply up to about 8.7 cm, and 2048 px up to about 17 cm. The generator shows the 300 dpi print size under every preview.
Surface and finish
Glossy lamination reflects light into the camera; matte finishes scan better. Avoid wrapping codes around tight curves such as thin bottles; if you must, make the code smaller relative to the curve and test it.
Width = distance ÷ 10, with a 2 cm floor for phone cameras.
Make it yourself in under a minute
Open the generator
The Turn any link into a QR code opens with the right content type already selected.
Fill in the content
Enter the link, network, contact or message. The preview updates instantly.
Brand it (optional)
Add your logo and colors. The scan test checks every change.
Download and print
Black codes download free as PNG. Use SVG for print with a paid plan.
