What Size Should a Printed QR Code Be?
By ERAGO · Published · 3 min read
A QR code that's too small or crammed against other graphics is one of the most common print mistakes, and you only find out after the print run. Sizing comes down to three rules of thumb. Here's how big to print your QR code, with a cheat sheet for common formats.
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Rule 1: Don't go below about 2 x 2 cm
For anything scanned up close, like business cards, product labels or table tents, a common minimum is about 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 in). Smaller codes can work, but dim light and older phone cameras make them less reliable. If you have the space, go bigger. A 3 cm code is noticeably easier to scan than a 2 cm one.
Rule 2: The 10:1 distance rule
The farther away people stand, the bigger the code has to be. A widely used rule of thumb: the QR code should be at least 1/10 of the scanning distance.
- Scanned from 30 cm away (hand-held): 3 cm
- Scanned from 1 m away (counter, wall at arm's reach): 10 cm
- Scanned from 3 m away (poster across a room): 30 cm
Divide the distance by 10 and round up.
Rule 3: Leave a quiet zone
Scanners need empty space around the code to find its edges. The standard is a quiet zone of 4 modules (4 of the small squares) on every side. ERAGO adds a 4-module quiet zone to every download, so keep it when you place the file. Keep text, borders and photos out of it. Many "it won't scan" problems turn out to be a design element touching the code.
Cheat sheet by print format
| Format | Typical distance | Suggested QR size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 15–25 cm | 2–2.5 cm |
| Product label or packaging | 20–30 cm | 2–3 cm |
| Table tent or menu | 30–50 cm | 3–5 cm |
| A5/A4 flyer | 30–60 cm | 4–6 cm |
| A3 poster | 1–2 m | 10–20 cm |
| Banner or standee | 2–5 m | 20–50 cm |
These are starting points, not guarantees. Lighting, paper, colors and the angle people scan from all matter.
Shorter link = easier to print small
The more characters in your link, the more modules the QR code needs, and the smaller each module gets at the same print size. A long URL with tracking parameters can produce a dense code that struggles below 3 cm. Turn it into a short link first, such as erago.site/menu. The code gets simpler and scans better at small sizes.
How to check before the print run
- Export as SVG (or a high-resolution PNG) so the edges stay sharp at any size.
- Print one test copy at the real size, on the real paper.
- Scan it with two different phones from the real distance and angle.
- If it hesitates, make it bigger, increase contrast, or shorten the link.
One more safety net: if the destination changes after printing, you don't have to reprint. Point the code at an ERAGO short link, and you can change where it goes anytime, free on every plan.
Planning the design too? See how to make a QR code with custom colors and how to add your logo.
FAQ
What is the smallest size for a printed QR code?
A common minimum is about 2 x 2 cm (0.8 in) for close-up scanning. It's a rule of thumb, so test-scan your actual print.
How big should a QR code be on a poster?
Use the 10:1 rule. For people standing 2 m away, make it at least 20 cm wide.
What is a QR code quiet zone?
It's the empty margin around the code, usually 4 modules wide on every side, that helps scanners find the code's edges.