Free QR Code Size Calculator
Not sure how big to print your QR code? Enter the distance people will scan it from and this free calculator gives you the minimum size, using the widely-used 10:1 rule. Get it right and your code scans first time — too small and people give up.
Based on the 10:1 rule: a QR code scans from up to about 10 times its width.
Tip: don't print smaller than 2 cm (0.8 in), even for close-up scans.
Create your QR codeHow big should a QR code be?
As a rule of thumb, a QR code can be scanned from a distance of roughly 10 times its width. To find the smallest size that still scans reliably, divide the scanning distance by 10 — a code read from 2 metres (200 cm) away should be at least 20 cm wide. The reverse also works: a 5 cm code scans from about 50 cm. Keep a clear 'quiet zone' margin around the code, use high contrast, and never print below about 2 cm for handheld scanning.
Recommended QR code sizes by use
| Where it's used | Typical scan distance | Minimum size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 10 cm / 4 in | 2 cm / 0.8 in |
| Flyer or brochure | 30 cm / 12 in | 3 cm / 1.2 in |
| Product packaging | 30 cm / 12 in | 3 cm / 1.2 in |
| Restaurant menu | 40 cm / 16 in | 4 cm / 1.6 in |
| Poster | 1.5 m / 5 ft | 15 cm / 6 in |
| Storefront window | 3 m / 10 ft | 30 cm / 12 in |
| Vehicle wrap | 5 m / 16 ft | 50 cm / 20 in |
| Billboard | 20 m / 65 ft | 2 m / 6.5 ft |
Tips for a scannable QR code
- Leave a quiet zone: keep a clear margin of at least 4 modules (about the width of one corner square) around the code.
- Use high contrast: a dark code on a light background scans best — avoid low-contrast or inverted colours.
- Mind the data: long URLs and vCards create denser patterns that need a larger print; a short dynamic link keeps the pattern simple.
- Test before you print: scan a proof from the real distance, in real lighting, with a couple of different phones.
- Don't go too small: below about 2 cm, even close-up scans become unreliable.
QR code size — frequently asked questions
What is the minimum size for a QR code?
About 2 cm x 2 cm (0.8 in) for handheld scanning. For codes scanned from further away, use the 10:1 rule: minimum width = scanning distance divided by 10.
How big should a QR code be on a poster?
Posters are usually read from around 1.5 m, so aim for at least 15 cm wide. If the poster is mounted higher or read from further back, scale up accordingly.
Can a QR code be too small to scan?
Yes. Below roughly 2 cm, or below one-tenth of the scanning distance, phones struggle to focus and decode it — especially with more data or lower print quality.
Does more data make the QR code bigger?
More data adds more modules (the small squares), making the pattern denser and harder to scan at the same size. A dynamic QR code keeps the encoded link short and the pattern simple, so it stays easy to scan even when you change the destination later.
What size should a QR code be on a business card?
Around 2 cm x 2 cm suits the short scanning distance of a handheld card. Keep a clear margin around it and don't crowd it with other elements.