Form QR Code › Print size guide

What size should a QR code be?

The short answer: at least one tenth of the distance it will be scanned from, and never smaller than 2 cm (0.8 in).

The 10 to 1 rule

Divide the scanning distance by 10 to get the minimum width. A code scanned from 50 cm away should be at least 5 cm wide. One scanned from 3 metres needs 30 cm.

Sizes for common uses

Business card (scanned from about 20 cm): 2 cm (0.8 in)
Flyer or table tent (about 50 cm): 5 cm (2 in)
Counter sign or menu (about 1 m): 10 cm (4 in)
Poster on a wall (about 2 m): 20 cm (8 in)
Window or event banner (about 5 m): 50 cm (20 in)

Tips for printing

Leave a clear margin around the code. A frame from Form QR Code builds this in.
Use the SVG for large prints so the edges stay sharp.
Avoid glossy surfaces that reflect light right where people scan.
Test a printed copy with two different phones before a big print run.

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Common questions

How big should I print a QR code?

A good rule is one tenth of the scanning distance: a code read from 1 metre away should be at least 10 cm wide, and never smaller than 2 cm (about 0.8 in). The Export section works it out for you.

What files do I get?

A PNG at 1,024, 2,048 or 4,096 pixels for print and screens, and an SVG that scales to any size without blurring. Download them again from My codes any time.

Which QR code pattern scans best?

Every pattern scans. Square and Connected are the most forgiving when printed small or read from far away. Keep the code dark on a light background, and the contrast check warns you if it isn't.