QR Code Size Guidelines: How Small Can You Go?
Size matters with QR codes. Too small and they won't scan. Too large and you're wasting valuable space on packaging, business cards, or marketing materials. This guide covers everything you need to know about QR code sizing to ensure perfect scans every time.
The Absolute Minimum: 1 x 1 Centimeter
Technically, QR codes can function at 1cm x 1cm (0.4 inches), but this assumes perfect conditions: high-quality printing, minimal data encoded, excellent phone cameras, and steady hands. In practice, this size fails more often than it works.
The practical minimum for real-world use is 2 x 2 centimeters (0.8 inches). This size provides enough margin for error to handle normal scanning conditions.
Scanning Distance Determines Size
The fundamental rule: QR code size should be 1/10th of the scanning distance. If users scan from 10 inches away, your code should be at least 1 inch square. This ratio ensures reliable scanning across different devices and conditions.
Quick reference guide:
- 6 inches away: 0.6-inch minimum (business cards held in hand)
- 12 inches away: 1.2-inch minimum (table tents, product labels)
- 3 feet away: 3.6-inch minimum (posters, wall signs)
- 6 feet away: 7.2-inch minimum (window displays, billboards)
- 10 feet away: 12-inch minimum (outdoor signage)
Size Requirements by Use Case
Business Cards
Recommended size: 0.8 to 1 inch square
Absolute minimum: 0.6 inches
Why: Cards are typically scanned from 6-8 inches away while held. Limited space demands smaller codes, but going below 0.6 inches causes frequent scan failures.
Product Packaging
Recommended size: 1 to 1.5 inches square
Absolute minimum: 0.75 inches
Why: Products are handled at arm's length. Curved surfaces and plastic wrapping can interfere with scanning, so extra size helps.
Restaurant Menus
Recommended size: 2 to 3 inches square
Absolute minimum: 1.5 inches
Why: Menus sit on tables 12-18 inches from phones. Larger codes accommodate various lighting conditions and viewing angles.
Posters and Flyers
Recommended size: 3 to 4 inches square
Absolute minimum: 2 inches
Why: Wall-mounted materials are scanned from 2-4 feet away. Size must account for people scanning while walking past.
Billboards and Signage
Recommended size: 1/10th of viewing distance
Calculate: Measure typical viewing distance, divide by 10
Why: Outdoor signage needs massive codes. A billboard viewed from 50 feet needs a 5-foot QR code minimum.
Data Density Affects Minimum Size
QR codes encoding more data create denser patterns requiring larger physical sizes for reliable scanning:
Short URL (20 characters): Can work at minimum sizes
Medium URL (50 characters): Add 20% to minimum size
Long URL (100+ characters): Add 40% to minimum size
vCard or WiFi credentials: Add 50% to minimum size
Plain text (500+ characters): Double the minimum size
This is why dynamic QR codes, which use short redirect URLs regardless of final destination, can be printed smaller than static codes containing full information.
Print Quality Considerations
Resolution Requirements
Professional printing: 300 DPI minimum
Office printers: 600 DPI recommended
Home printers: Test thoroughly, may need larger sizes
Lower resolution printing requires larger QR codes to maintain scan reliability. If using a standard office printer, add 20% to recommended sizes.
Surface and Material
Glossy surfaces: Add 10% to size (glare interferes with scanning)
Matte surfaces: Use standard sizing
Curved surfaces: Add 25% to size
Textured materials: Add 30% to size
Behind glass/plastic: Add 20% to size
Color and Contrast Impact on Size
High contrast allows smaller sizes. Low contrast requires larger codes:
Black on white: Can use minimum sizes
Dark blue on white: Can use minimum sizes
Dark colors on light: Add 10% to size
Color on color: Add 20% to size
Light on dark (inverted): Add 25% to size
Never use these combinations regardless of size:
- Yellow on white
- Light gray on white
- Red on green
- Blue on purple
Error Correction and Size
QR codes include error correction that helps damaged codes scan successfully. Higher error correction requires larger physical sizes:
Low correction (7%): Use for clean environments, allows smallest size
Medium correction (15%): Standard choice, add 5% to minimum size
Quartile correction (25%): Good for logos, add 10% to minimum size
High correction (30%): Maximum durability, add 15% to minimum size
At QR Code Better, we use high error correction by default, ensuring your codes scan even when partially obscured or damaged.
Testing Your QR Code Size
Before printing thousands of codes, test your chosen size:
- Print a single test code at your intended size
- Test with multiple phones (iPhone and Android)
- Scan in various lighting conditions
- Try scanning from different angles
- Test with older phones if your audience includes them
- Have others test without guidance
If anyone struggles to scan, increase size by 20% and retest.
Digital Display Sizing
Screen-displayed QR codes follow different rules:
Minimum pixel dimensions: 200 x 200 pixels
Recommended: 400 x 400 pixels
For presentations: 600 x 600 pixels minimum
Screen resolution and brightness affect scanning, so digital codes should be larger than their physical equivalents at the same viewing distance.
The Safety Factor
When in doubt, go 20% larger than minimum recommendations. The cost difference between a 1-inch and 1.2-inch QR code is negligible, but the scanning reliability improvement is significant. Your users will thank you.
Size Your Codes Right
Getting QR code size right ensures every scan works on the first try. Follow the 1/10th distance rule, account for your specific use case, and always test before mass production.
Generate perfectly-sized QR codes now - download in any dimension you need.