QR Code Size Calculator
Find the minimum QR code size for your scanning distance. Avoid print failures and ensure your QR codes are always scannable.
Calculate your QR code size
Enter the distance from which your QR code will be scanned. The calculator uses the industry-standard formula: minimum size = scanning distance ÷ 10.
QR code sizing tips
- Always add a quiet zone: leave at least 4 modules of white space around the QR code for scanners to detect it.
- Test before printing: print a test copy and scan it with multiple phones at the actual distance.
- Use short URLs: less data means fewer modules, so the QR code can be smaller and still scannable. Dynamic QR codes use short links to minimize data.
- Avoid dark-on-dark: maintain high contrast between the QR code and background. Black on white is safest.
- Don't resize raster images: export QR codes as SVG or PNG at the final print size. Scaling up a small PNG causes blur and scan failures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the minimum QR code size calculated?
The industry rule of thumb is: minimum QR code size (mm) = scanning distance (mm) ÷ 10. This ensures the QR code has enough modules (squares) to be reliably scanned at that distance. The calculation assumes a standard QR code with error correction level M.
What is the scanning distance?
The scanning distance is how far the user's phone (or scanner) will be from the QR code when scanning. For a business card, that's about 100–150 mm (hand's length). For a poster on a wall, it could be 1–3 meters. For a billboard, 5–10 meters or more.
Why does my QR code need to be larger for longer distances?
A phone camera needs to resolve each individual module (tiny square) in the QR code. At greater distances, each module appears smaller to the camera. A larger QR code compensates by making each module physically bigger, so the camera can still read it.
What size should a QR code be on a business card?
For a business card scanned at ~150 mm distance, the minimum size is 15 × 15 mm. However, we recommend at least 20 × 20 mm (0.8 inches) to ensure reliable scanning across all devices, including older phones.
What size should a QR code be on a poster?
For a poster scanned at ~1 meter (1000 mm), the minimum size is 100 × 100 mm (10 cm). For posters viewed at 2 meters, use at least 200 × 200 mm. Always add a margin around the QR code and test with multiple phones before printing.
Does the amount of data affect the QR code size?
Yes. More data means more modules (rows and columns) in the QR code. A QR code with a long URL has more modules than one with a short URL. At the same physical size, a QR code with more modules has smaller individual modules, making it harder to scan. If your QR code contains a lot of data, consider using a dynamic QR code with a short link to reduce the data payload.
What is the quiet zone and why does it matter?
The quiet zone is the blank white margin around the QR code. It should be at least 4 modules wide on all sides. Without a proper quiet zone, scanners may not be able to distinguish the QR code from surrounding text or graphics, causing scan failures.
Can I make my QR code smaller if I use high error correction?
No. Higher error correction levels (H) add more redundant data, which increases the number of modules. This actually requires a larger physical size to remain scannable. Use error correction level M (15%) for most use cases — it balances damage recovery with scannability.
Create your QR code with the right size
Use QoreQR to generate QR codes with customizable size, export as SVG or PNG, and track scans with dynamic QR codes.