QR Code Size Guide: Minimum Dimensions for Print and Digital

A QR code that is too small will not scan. Too large and you are wasting space. This guide covers the exact dimensions you need for every use case, from business cards to billboards.

The 10:1 Rule

Here is the most important rule for QR code sizing: the scanning distance should be roughly 10 times the width of the code. A 2cm QR code can be scanned from about 20cm away. A 20cm code works from 2 metres.

This is a guideline, not an absolute. Modern smartphone cameras with autofocus can often scan from further away. But 10:1 gives you a reliable baseline that works across all devices.

Quick Formula

QR Code Width = Scanning Distance ÷ 10

If someone will scan from 30cm away, your code should be at least 3cm wide.

Minimum Size by Use Case

Different applications have different requirements. Here is a practical breakdown:

Use Case	Minimum Size	Recommended
Business card	1.5cm × 1.5cm	2cm × 2cm
Product label	1cm × 1cm	1.5cm × 1.5cm
Flyer / A5 print	2cm × 2cm	3cm × 3cm
A4 poster	3cm × 3cm	4cm × 4cm
Menu / table tent	2.5cm × 2.5cm	3.5cm × 3.5cm
A3 poster	4cm × 4cm	6cm × 6cm
Banner / signage	10cm × 10cm	15cm × 15cm
Billboard	50cm × 50cm	1m × 1m

Print Requirements

For print, resolution matters as much as physical size. A blurry QR code will not scan reliably even if it is the right dimensions.

For Print

Export at 300 DPI minimum
Use SVG for scalability
PNG works for fixed sizes
Ensure high contrast colours
Leave quiet zone around code

For Screens

200×200 pixels minimum
Match code size to display size
Avoid stretching or squashing
Test on target device
Consider screen brightness

The Quiet Zone

Every QR code needs empty space around it called the "quiet zone". This helps scanners distinguish the code from surrounding content. The minimum quiet zone is 4 modules wide (the small squares that make up the code). In practice, aim for at least 2mm of white space on all sides.

LinkScan includes the quiet zone automatically, but if you are placing the code in a design, do not crop into this margin.

What Affects Scannability?

Size is not the only factor. Several things influence whether a QR code scans reliably:

Contrast

Dark foreground on light background works best. Black on white is ideal. Avoid low-contrast combinations like light grey on white or dark blue on black.

Data Density

More data means more modules, which means smaller squares at the same overall size. A code containing a 200-character URL needs to be larger than one with a 20-character URL.

Error Correction

Higher error correction levels make codes more scannable when damaged but increase density. For clean prints, low or medium is fine. For outdoor or high-wear applications, use high.

Surface Material

Glossy surfaces can cause glare. Textured materials may distort the code. Matte finishes work best. If printing on unusual materials, increase the size by 20-30%.

Common Mistakes

Avoid These Errors

Inverting colours: Light code on dark background scans poorly on many devices
Skipping the test: Always scan your code before printing 1,000 copies
Cropping the quiet zone: Scanners need that empty space to find the code
Using low resolution: Pixelated codes fail at the edges
Overloading with data: Shorter URLs scan faster and more reliably

Digital Display Sizes

For screens, think in pixels rather than centimetres. The key is ensuring enough resolution for the camera to read individual modules.

Display Type	Minimum	Recommended
Mobile screen	150×150px	200×200px
Tablet / laptop	200×200px	300×300px
Desktop monitor	250×250px	400×400px
TV / large display	400×400px	600×600px
Digital signage	500×500px	800×800px

Remember that screen brightness affects scannability. A dim screen in a bright room makes scanning harder. If your QR code will display in variable lighting conditions, err on the larger side.

Testing Your Code

Before committing to print, test your QR code properly:

Print a sample at the intended size on the intended material
Test with multiple phones including older models with basic cameras
Scan from the expected distance and angle
Check in different lighting conditions
Verify the destination loads correctly

A few minutes of testing can save hundreds of pounds in reprinting costs.

Create Your QR Code

LinkScan generates high-resolution codes in PNG and SVG. Scale to any size without losing quality.

Create QR Code

Summary

Getting QR code size right is straightforward once you know the rules:

Use the 10:1 ratio as your baseline (scanning distance ÷ 10 = code width)
2cm minimum for business cards, 3cm for posters, 10cm+ for signage
Export at 300 DPI for print, or use SVG for unlimited scaling
Keep the quiet zone intact
Test before you print at scale

Size matters, but it is not complicated. Follow these guidelines and your codes will scan every time.