The Complete Guide to QR Code Sizes:
Print, Digital & Scanning Distance
Ensure your QR codes scan reliably at any size. Use our proven sizing guidelines, cheat sheet, and formula to optimize every code for print and digital.
Understanding QR code sizing
Why QR Code Size Matters & How Sizing Works
QR codes are grids of tiny squares called modules, as defined in the official DENSO Wave specification. The number of modules determines version (1–40), which determines minimum physical size. Error correction (governed by the ISO/IEC 18004 standard) adds redundancy but increases code dimensions. Understanding these basics ensures your QR codes scan reliably at every size.
QR Code Modules
QR codes are grids of tiny squares called modules. More data means more modules, which means a larger code. Version 1 uses a 21×21 module grid, while Version 40 expands to 177×177 modules. Each module must be at least 2 mm in print for reliable scanning.
Versions & Capacity
QR codes have 40 versions, each with different data capacity. The formula is simple: (version × 4) + 17 = module count. Longer URLs require higher versions and physically larger codes. A standard URL QR code typically uses Version 3–7.
Error Correction Levels
Four levels protect against damage: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), and H (30%). Higher error correction means more robust scanning in harsh conditions, but increases the code’s physical dimensions. Level M is the recommended default for most use cases.
Why Dynamic QR Codes Are Smaller
Dynamic QR codes encode a short redirect URL instead of the full destination, requiring far fewer modules. This results in 30–50% smaller physical dimensions — a major advantage for space-constrained applications like business cards, product labels, and small packaging.
Dynamic QR codes are smaller because they encode short redirect URLs instead of long destination URLs. Learn more about dynamic QR codes and how they save space.
Minimum sizes for print
QR Code Sizes for Print: Business Cards to Billboards
Different print mediums require different minimum QR code dimensions based on viewing distance, surface quality, and scanning conditions. A QR code that works perfectly on a flyer may be completely unreadable on a billboard. Use these standard sizing guidelines to ensure every printed QR code scans reliably from its intended distance.
Business Cards
Minimum: 2.0×2.0 cm (0.8×0.8 in)
Recommended: 2.5×2.5 cm (1.0×1.0 in)
Scanning distance: 15–20 cm
Tip: Place in corner with 0.5 cm white space around all edges. Pair with a vCard QR code for instant contact sharing.
Flyers & Brochures
Minimum: 2.0×2.0 cm
Recommended: 3.0×3.0 cm
Scanning distance: 20–30 cm
Tip: Pair with descriptive text like “Scan for details” to guide scanning.
Posters (A3/A2)
Minimum: 3.0×3.0 cm
Recommended: 5.0×5.0 cm
Scanning distance: 50–100 cm
Tip: Position at natural eye level for optimal scanning.
Billboards & Large Format
Minimum: Use 10:1 ratio
Recommended: 30–50 cm for typical viewing
Scanning distance: 15–30 meters
Tip: High contrast is critical at this scale. Always test from the intended viewing distance with multiple smartphone models before committing to production. Dark modules on a bright white background work best in direct sunlight and ambient light conditions.
Product Labels & Packaging
Minimum: 1.0×1.0 cm (Micro QR)
Standard: 2.0×2.0 cm
Scanning distance: 10–15 cm
Tip: Avoid placement on seams, curves, or uneven surfaces. Flat, smooth areas ensure each module stays readable. For small product labels, dynamic QR codes keep the image size compact without sacrificing data capacity.
Restaurant Menus
Minimum: 2.5×2.5 cm
Recommended: 3.5×3.5 cm
Scanning distance: 30–45 cm
Tip: Place in corner or header for easy discovery.
T-Shirts & Apparel
Minimum: 2.5×2.5 cm
Recommended: 3.0×3.0 cm
Scanning distance: 20–30 cm
Tip: Use high-contrast placement, avoid busy patterns behind code.
Need branded QR codes that maintain scannability at any size? Try our custom QR code generator for logos, colors, and frames.
Minimum sizes for digital
QR Code Sizes for Digital: Email, Social & Screens
Digital QR codes face different challenges than print: screen resolution, email client rendering, image compression, and mobile viewport sizes all affect scannability. The standard QR code image size for digital varies by platform. Here are pixel-based minimums for every major digital channel.
Email & Newsletters
Minimum: 74×74 px
Recommended: 200×200 px (desktop), 150×150 px (mobile)
Tip: Test in Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail before sending. Email clients may resize images unpredictably, so export at 2× the display size for retina screens.
Social Media Posts
Instagram: 320–500 px
TikTok: 200+ px
LinkedIn: 300+ px
Stories/Reels: 240+ px
Tip: Add padding around the code and avoid overlaying text. Social platforms compress images, so upload at higher resolution than your target display size to preserve module clarity.
Website Embedding
Minimum: 150×150 px
Recommended: 300×300 px (desktop), 200×200 px (mobile)
Tip: Use responsive CSS percentages for automatic scaling.
Push Notifications & SMS
Minimum: 100×100 px
Recommended: 120–150 px
Tip: QR code should be the only visual element in the notification.
Smartwatch & Small Screens
Minimum: 60×60 px
Recommended: 100×100 px
Tip: Use simplified data payload and redirect to mobile-optimized page.
Presentations (Zoom/Teams)
Minimum: 200×200 px
Recommended: 300×300 px
Scanning distance: 6–15 ft
Tip: High contrast required. Test in actual meeting environment.
Want to know how many people scan your QR codes? Learn about QR code scan tracking for real-time analytics. You can also share documents with a PDF QR code optimized for email and web embedding.
Sizing formula & reference
QR Code Size Formula & Complete Cheat Sheet
Want to calculate the exact size your QR code should be? There's a simple rule that works in most real-world scenarios.
The 10:1 Rule
QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10
Or: Scanning Distance = QR Code Size × 10
For example, if someone will scan from 50 cm away, the QR code should be at least 5.0 cm. In imperial: 20 inches scanning distance ÷ 10 = 2 inches minimum. This formula applies universally whether you're sizing for a business card held at arm's length or a poster viewed from across a room.
Why Does This Work?
Most smartphone cameras have a minimum focusing distance of roughly 10 cm. At the 10:1 ratio, module density remains readable even with camera angle variation, ambient lighting differences, and minor motion blur. This rule accounts for real-world conditions rather than laboratory-perfect scanning, making it a reliable baseline for sizing your QR code across all mediums.
| Use Case | Scanning Distance | Required QR Size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 15–20 cm | 1.5–2.0 cm |
| Flyer (handheld) | 20–30 cm | 2.0–3.0 cm |
| Poster on wall | 50–100 cm | 5.0–10 cm |
| Billboard (car) | 15–30 meters | 150–300 cm |
| Email (desktop) | 40–50 cm | 200–250 px |
| Social post (mobile) | 15–25 cm | 300+ px |
Complete QR Code Size Cheat Sheet
Bookmark this reference table for every QR code project. It covers all common print and digital use cases with the standard QR code size recommendations, minimum dimensions, and scanning distances you need.
Swipe to see all columns →
| Use Case | Minimum Size | Recommended Size | Scanning Distance | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Card | 2.0×2.0 cm | 2.5×2.5 cm | 15–20 cm | |
| Flyer / Brochure | 2.0×2.0 cm | 3.0×3.0 cm | 20–30 cm | |
| Poster (A3) | 3.0×3.0 cm | 5.0×5.0 cm | 50–100 cm | |
| Billboard / Large | Varies* | 30–50 cm | 15–30 m | |
| Restaurant Menu | 2.5×2.5 cm | 3.5×3.5 cm | 30–45 cm | |
| Product Label | 1.0×1.0 cm | 2.0×2.0 cm | 10–15 cm | |
| T-Shirt / Apparel | 2.5×2.5 cm | 3.0×3.0 cm | 20–30 cm | |
| Email (Desktop) | 74×74 px | 200×200 px | 40–50 cm | Digital |
| Email (Mobile) | 74×74 px | 150×150 px | 20–30 cm | Digital |
| Instagram Post | 320×320 px | 500×500 px | 15–30 cm | Digital |
| Social Story/Reel | 240×240 px | 300×300 px | 15–20 cm | Digital |
| Website | 150×150 px | 300×300 px | 40–50 cm | Digital |
| Push Notification | 100×100 px | 120×120 px | N/A | Digital |
Ready to create perfectly sized QR codes? Try our free QR code generator — it handles sizing automatically.
Sizing best practices & common mistakes
Best Practices & Common Sizing Mistakes
8 Sizing Best Practices
01
Always Add White Space
Maintain a minimum quiet zone of 4 modules (~8–10 mm) around all edges. This white space acts as a critical readability buffer — without it, cameras struggle to detect the code boundary and scanning fails.
02
High Contrast Is Crucial
Black modules on a white background is the gold standard. The minimum contrast ratio should be 4.5:1 (dark on light). Avoid light gray codes or patterned backgrounds that reduce module visibility.
03
Never Scale Below 1.0 cm
Below 1 cm, scanning failure rates increase dramatically because individual modules become too small for cameras to resolve. Exception: Micro QR codes are specifically optimized for 1.0 cm minimum.
04
Don’t Rotate or Distort
QR codes must remain square (1:1 aspect ratio) and axis-aligned. Rotation at angles like 45° or any skewing disrupts the finder patterns that cameras use to locate and decode the code.
05
Test Before Mass Production
Always print a proof at the actual intended dimensions. Scan from the expected viewing distances using 3–5 different phones, including older models with lower-resolution cameras.
06
Use Error Correction Wisely
Level M (15% damage tolerance) is the safe default for most environments. Use Level H (30%) for outdoor signage exposed to weather. Level L (7%) is only appropriate for clean indoor conditions.
07
Position Matters
Avoid edges, seams, curves, and folds where printing imperfections occur. Center or top-right placement is most intuitive for users. Leave at least 0.5 cm margin from any page or label edge.
08
Include Context Text
Adding a call-to-action like ‘Scan to learn more’ or ‘Point camera here’ removes guesswork. Context text guides users on scanning distance and increases scan completion rates.
8 Common Sizing Mistakes
01
Making the QR Code Too Small
‘Fit it in the corner!’ is the most common request that leads to unscannability. Always use 2.5×2.5 cm as the minimum for print. Test the code at the actual size before committing to production.
02
Using Low-Contrast Colors
Light gray on white background means the camera can’t distinguish modules. Always use high contrast — dark modules on a light background. Black on white remains the most reliable combination.
03
Forgetting Viewing Distance
A poster code sized for arm’s length but viewed from 10 feet away will fail every time. Always apply the 10:1 rule: divide scanning distance by 10 to get the minimum code dimensions.
04
Complex Backgrounds
Placing a QR code on a busy pattern causes scanning delays or outright failures. Always add a white box behind the code with a 4-module quiet zone to ensure reliable detection.
05
Rotating for ‘Design Flair’
Tilting a QR code at 45° or any angle disrupts the finder patterns that scanners rely on. Always keep the code square and axis-aligned — even a slight rotation hurts scan rates.
06
Not Testing Before Print
Printing 10,000 business cards only to discover the code won’t scan is costly waste. Always produce a proof at the actual dimensions and test with 3–5 phones from the expected distance.
07
Ignoring Error Correction
Using Level L (7%) for outdoor signage means weather damage quickly renders the code unreadable. Match the error correction level to the environment: H for outdoors, M for general use, L only for pristine indoor conditions.
08
Static URLs When Dynamic Works
A long static URL like mycompany.com/campaign/2026 creates a Version 8 code. A dynamic QR code with a short redirect URL produces a Version 3 code — roughly 50% smaller in physical dimensions.
The right QR code size ensures reliable scanning. Use our cheat sheet above to find the perfect size for your specific use case, and always test before production.
QR Code Size — Frequently Asked Questions
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