Guides
QR code size guide: how big to print a QR code
Print a QR code about one tenth as wide as the distance people will scan it from, and never smaller than 0.8 inches (2 cm). A business card code read from 8 inches can be 0.8 inches wide, a flyer read from 2 feet needs about 2.4 inches, and a sign read from 10 feet needs about 12 inches. Codes with more data need to be larger.
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Size chart
| Where | Scanning distance | Minimum width |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 8 in | 0.8 in (2 cm) |
| Table card, menu | 1 ft | 1.2 in (3 cm) |
| Flyer | 2 ft | 2.4 in (6 cm) |
| Poster | 6 ft | 7.2 in (18 cm) |
| Window or yard sign | 10 ft | 12 in (30 cm) |
| Banner | 20 ft | 24 in (61 cm) |
These figures are for a typical short link code, 25 to 29 modules across. Longer content makes more modules, so scale up. Forever QR's print size guide adjusts for your exact code.
Other things that matter
- Quiet zone: leave a clear border about four modules wide on every side.
- Resolution: a PNG prints sharp up to its pixel width divided by 300, in inches. For anything bigger, use SVG or PDF.
- Contrast: dark modules on a light background.
- Shorter links: fewer characters make a simpler pattern that scans from farther away.
Questions
- What's the smallest QR code that will scan?
- About 0.8 inches (2 cm) wide for a short link read up close. Smaller codes work in good conditions but fail too often to rely on.
- Does a logo change the size I need?
- Yes. Print a little larger to keep a safety margin.
Updated by Media City Design LLC