June 1, 2026
QR Code Size Guide: How Big Should a QR Code Be?
How big should a QR code be? The answer depends on three factors: scanning distance, print resolution, and viewing conditions.
This guide covers everything you need to know about QR code sizing.
The 10:1 Rule
The standard rule for QR code sizing is simple: the QR code should be at least 1/10th of the scanning distance.
| Scanning Distance | Minimum QR Code Size |
|---|---|
| 0.5 m (2 ft) | 5 cm (2 in) |
| 1 m (3 ft) | 10 cm (4 in) |
| 2 m (6 ft) | 20 cm (8 in) |
| 5 m (15 ft) | 50 cm (20 in) |
| 10 m (30 ft) | 100 cm (40 in) |
This rule ensures the QR code occupies enough of the camera's field of view for reliable decoding.
Size by Medium
Business Cards
| Size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 1 cm (0.4 in) |
| Recommended | 1.5-2 cm (0.6-0.8 in) |
| Maximum | Based on card space |
Business cards have limited space. A QR code of 1.5-2 cm fits most card designs while being large enough to scan from a normal reading distance (20-30 cm).
Flyers and Posters
| Size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Recommended | 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) |
| Maximum | Based on flyer design |
Flyers and posters are typically scanned from 30-60 cm. A larger QR code increases scan reliability and visibility.
Billboards and Signs
| Size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Recommended | 50-100 cm (20-40 in) |
| Maximum | Practical limit |
Billboard QR codes must be large enough to scan from across the street. A 50 cm code can reliably scan from 5 meters.
Product Packaging
| Size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 1.5 cm (0.6 in) |
| Recommended | 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 in) |
| Maximum | Based on package size |
Packaging QR codes are scanned from close range (15-30 cm). Even a 1.5 cm code works if contrast is good and the surface is flat.
Screens and Digital Displays
| Size | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Minimum | 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Recommended | 3-5 cm (1.2-2 in) |
| Maximum | Based on screen space |
Digital QR codes should account for screen brightness and glare. Slightly larger sizes improve scan reliability in bright environments.
QR Code Size by Version
QR codes come in versions 1 to 40. Higher versions have more modules and contain more data.
| Version | Modules | Size (at 1 cm/module) | Max Data (alphanumeric) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21×21 | 2.1 × 2.1 cm | 25 chars |
| 2 | 25×25 | 2.5 × 2.5 cm | 47 chars |
| 3 | 29×29 | 2.9 × 2.9 cm | 77 chars |
| 4 | 33×33 | 3.3 × 3.3 cm | 114 chars |
| 5 | 37×37 | 3.7 × 3.7 cm | 154 chars |
| 6 | 41×41 | 4.1 × 4.1 cm | 195 chars |
Most URL QR codes use version 2-4 (25-33 modules). Shorter URLs and lower error correction produce smaller version numbers.
Module Size
The module is a single black or white square in a QR code. The module size determines the overall QR code size.
| Module Size | QR Code Size (v3, 29×29) | Scanning Distance |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mm | 1.45 × 1.45 cm | Up to 15 cm |
| 1 mm | 2.9 × 2.9 cm | Up to 30 cm |
| 2 mm | 5.8 × 5.8 cm | Up to 60 cm |
| 5 mm | 14.5 × 14.5 cm | Up to 1.5 m |
| 1 cm | 29 × 29 cm | Up to 3 m |
| 2 cm | 58 × 58 cm | Up to 6 m |
Calculating the Right Size
Formula
Minimum size = Scanning distance / 10
Module size = Minimum size / Number of modules
Example
For a poster scanned from 2 meters away with a version 3 QR code (29 modules):
- Minimum size = 200 cm / 10 = 20 cm
- Module size = 20 cm / 29 = 0.69 cm
Creating Properly Sized QR Codes
Use a free QR code generator that outputs SVG for print:
- Enter your URL or text
- Choose error correction level
- Download as SVG (vector format scales infinitely)
- Place in your design at the correct physical size
Conclusion
Follow the 10:1 rule: QR code size should be at least 1/10 of scanning distance. For most printed materials, 2-3 cm works. For signs and posters, calculate based on expected distance.
Create QR codes in SVG format — generate scalable QR codes that print perfectly at any size.