QR Code Size Guide: The Right Size for Every Use Case

Business card, poster, or billboard? We cover the minimum scan distances and recommended pixel/cm dimensions for each printing scenario.

Size is one of the most overlooked aspects of QR code design. Too small and it won't scan reliably. Too large on a business card and it crowds out your other details. Here are the rules.

The Core Rule: 10:1 Ratio

A QR code can be reliably scanned from a maximum distance of roughly 10× its printed size. So a 2.5 cm QR code scans from up to 25 cm; a 10 cm code scans from up to 1 metre. Use this ratio to determine the minimum size for each placement.

Recommended Sizes by Use Case

• Business card: minimum 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm (1 inch)
• Flyer / A5 insert: 3–4 cm × 3–4 cm
• Poster (A2): 5–8 cm × 5–8 cm
• Retail packaging: 2.5 cm minimum; 4 cm recommended
• Banner / roll-up: 10 cm × 10 cm minimum
• Outdoor hoarding / billboard: 30 cm or larger

Digital / Screen Use

For screens — email newsletters, presentations, PDFs — aim for a minimum of 200 × 200 pixels. For high-DPI retina displays, use at least 400 × 400 pixels, or preferably export as SVG so it scales perfectly at any resolution.

Quiet Zone: The White Border

Every QR code needs a quiet zone — a clear white (or light) border of at least 4 modules wide on all sides. Without it, scanners frequently fail because they can't distinguish where the code ends. When placing a QR code on a coloured background, always ensure sufficient contrast and margin.

Download SVG for Print

Always use the SVG download option for print projects. SVG files are vector-based and render crispy-sharp at any size — from a 3 cm business card to a 3 metre banner. PNG files can pixelate if scaled up beyond their generated resolution.

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