QR Code Sizes & Print Best Practices
What size should a QR code be? Learn the right print dimensions, scanning distance rule, quiet zone, contrast and format tips so your codes always scan.
A QR code that won't scan is worse than no code at all. Most failures come from one of a few avoidable mistakes — size, contrast, or crowding. Follow these guidelines and your codes will scan reliably every time.
The 10:1 distance rule
The single most useful rule: a QR code should be at least 1/10th of the scanning distance. If people scan from 1 metre away (a poster), the code should be at least 10 cm wide. From 25 cm (a flyer in hand), about 2.5 cm is enough.
| Scanning distance | Minimum code size |
|---|---|
| 25 cm (flyer, card) | ~2.5 cm |
| 1 m (poster) | ~10 cm |
| 3 m (wall display) | ~30 cm |
| 5 m (banner) | ~50 cm |
Minimum practical size
Even up close, don't go below about 2 cm × 2 cm for print. Smaller codes leave too little room for the camera to resolve the pattern, especially on lower-end phones.
Keep the quiet zone
QR codes need a margin of empty space — the quiet zone — around all four sides, roughly four "modules" wide. Don't let text, borders or images touch the code, or scanners may fail.
Contrast matters more than color
Dark code on a light background is the gold standard. If you brand your codes with color, keep strong contrast and avoid light-on-light or busy backgrounds. Our guide to custom QR codes with logos and colors covers safe customization.
Use SVG for print
Always export SVG (or a high-resolution PNG) for anything printed. SVG is vector-based, so it stays razor-sharp at any size — from a business card to a billboard. PNG is fine for screens and social posts.
Test before you print
Print a single proof and scan it with two or three different phones in the actual lighting where it'll live. Catching a problem now is far cheaper than reprinting 5,000 flyers.
Every generator on our site exports both SVG and PNG — start with the free QR code generator and pick your tool.