QR code size: how big to print for every distance
A simple ratio for business cards, posters and shop windows, plus which file to download for each.
The right size for a QR code depends on two things: how far away people will be when they scan it, and how much information the code holds.
The 10:1 rule
Divide the scanning distance by ten. A code read from 1 metre away should be about 10 cm wide. It’s a rule of thumb, not a guarantee, so always test a printed sample.
| Where | Distance | Minimum size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 20 cm | 2 × 2 cm |
| Flyer or table card | 30–50 cm | 3–5 cm |
| Poster | 1–2 m | 10–20 cm |
| Shop window | 2–3 m | 20–30 cm |
Content changes the size
A short link produces a code with few, large modules. A long link, a contact card or a multiple-links page produces many small modules. Denser codes need to be printed bigger to stay readable from the same distance.
- Use the shortest link that still opens the right page.
- Remove tracking parameters you don’t need.
- Adding a logo raises error correction to High, which also makes the code denser.
Which file to download
SVG is a vector file: it stays sharp at any size and is the best choice for print shops and design tools. PNG is an image with a fixed number of pixels. For print at 300 dpi, these are the largest sizes each PNG option covers:
| PNG width | Print size at 300 dpi |
|---|---|
| 512 px | about 4.3 cm |
| 1024 px | about 8.7 cm |
| 2048 px | about 17.3 cm |
| 4096 px | about 34.7 cm |
Surfaces and finishes
Glossy laminates reflect light straight into the camera. Matte finishes scan more reliably. On curved surfaces such as bottles or cups, print the code a little bigger and keep it where the curve is gentlest.
Next guideStatic vs dynamic QR codes: what’s the difference?