QR Code Size Guide: Print Dimensions That Scan Every Time

A reliable rule of thumb: QR Code width ≈ Scan distance ÷ 10 So if people scan from ~100 cm (1 meter) away, your QR should be about 10 cm wide. Quick table (practical starting point) Expected scan distance Suggested QR width 20 cm (very close) 2–3 cm 50 cm 5 cm 1 meter 10 cm 2 meters 20 cm 5 meters 50 cm This ratio is a guideline, not a "hard standard." If your QR contains more data (long URLs, lots of text), increase size.

Here are safe starting sizes that work for most modern phones (assuming good contrast and a proper quiet zone): Business cards  Recommended: 2.0–2.5 cm (0.8–1.0 in)  Keep the QR content short (use a short link or a clean URL). Flyers / brochures  Recommended: 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in)  Ideal for scanning at arm's length. Posters (A3/A2)  Recommended: 8–12 cm (3–5 in)  Especially if people scan from ~1–2 meters away. Storefront signs / large banners  Recommended: Start at 15–30 cm (6–12 in)  Increase based on real viewing distance.

A QR code needs a "quiet zone"—empty space around it—so the camera can recognize the edges. Rule: Keep a clear margin around the QR of at least 4 modules (the tiny squares that build the code). Practical tip  Do not put text, icons, borders, or patterns too close to the QR.  If you add a logo in the center, make the QR bigger and test more devices.

QR codes get more complex as you add more data (long URLs, tracking parameters, paragraphs of text). More complexity means smaller modules, which are harder to scan when printed. Best practice:  Use a clean, short URL (or a short-link page you control).  Avoid pasting long text into the QR if your goal is easy scanning.

Even a correctly sized QR can fail if it's printed blurry. Print settings  For print: aim for 300 DPI output.  Prefer SVG (vector) if available. Vector QR codes stay sharp at any size.  If using PNG/JPG: export large enough so the code isn't upscaled later. Example conversion (so you don't under-export) If you plan to print a 5 cm QR:  5 cm = 1.97 inches  1.97 × 300 DPI ≈ 591 pixels So export at least 600×600 px (or higher).

 Dark QR on light background is easiest.  Avoid low contrast (light gray on white, neon colors).  Avoid glossy surfaces that reflect light.  Don't invert colors unless you test carefully.

Before you publish or print: 1. Test scan on iPhone + Android 2. Test in low light and under strong light 3. Print a sample at real size 4. Confirm the quiet zone is clear 5. Use short content (short URL) when possible <a href="/qr/create" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-800 underline">Create your QR code now on SmartQR</a> (link to your generator page).

What is the minimum QR code size for printing? For most cases, 2 cm is a practical minimum on business cards, but bigger is safer—especially if people scan from farther away. Does a longer URL require a bigger QR code? Yes. More data increases complexity. Use shorter URLs for smaller prints. How much empty space should be around the QR code? Keep a quiet zone of at least 4 modules on all sides. What's better: SVG or PNG? SVG is best for print because it stays sharp at any size. PNG is fine if exported large enough.