Free Tool
QR Code Size Guide
Find the right minimum size for your QR code before it goes to print. A QR code that's too small is one of the most common — and most avoidable — print mistakes.
Recommended minimum size for your setup
40 mm
40 cm viewing distance · quiet zone present · high contrast
QR code size rules of thumb
| Material | Scan distance | Min size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 30 cm | 30 mm |
| Flyer / A4 handout | 40 cm | 40 mm |
| Restaurant menu / table tent | 50 cm | 50 mm |
| Poster / A3 | 80 cm | 80 mm |
| Pull-up banner / display | 150 cm | 150 mm |
| Outdoor signage / shop front | 300 cm | 300 mm |
The 1/10 rule
The minimum QR code size (in mm) = scanning distance (in mm) ÷ 10. A phone 30 cm away needs a 30 mm QR code minimum.
Quiet zone matters
The white border around the QR code (the "quiet zone") must be at least 4 modules wide. If you crop it out or bleed it into a background, scanners fail. Add 25% to your size estimate.
Contrast isn't just colour
Black on white is the gold standard. Dark navy on cream works. Coloured QR codes on branded backgrounds often have contrast ratios below 3:1 — add 40% to your size.
Error correction saves you
Use error correction level M or H if your QR will be on fabric, textured paper, or a surface that may be damaged. This makes the code larger but much more robust.
Test print before the run
Print a single copy at 100% scale and scan it with three different phones (at least one older Android) before committing to the full run.