QR Code Size for Business Cards: Minimum Safe Dimensions
If your QR code is too small, your business card becomes a missed opportunity. Use this guide to choose a safe QR code size for business cards so every scan works and your design still looks clean.
Quick Answer: Recommended QR Code Size
For standard business cards, use a QR code that is at least 0.8–1.0 inches (2–2.5 cm) wide with a clear white margin around it.
This works well when people hold the card in their hand and scan from 6–12 inches away with a modern smartphone camera.
Rule of thumb for business cards
Keep the QR code about the size of your thumbnail or slightly larger. Too small = unreliable scans. Too large = awkward, unbalanced design.
Want a Calculator Instead of Guessing?
If you use QR codes on posters, signage, or packaging as well, you can use our minimum QR code size calculator to estimate dimensions based on scan distance.
Open Minimum QR Code Size CalculatorFor business cards, most people scan from arm’s length or closer. That’s why a 0.8–1.0 inch QR code is usually enough when printed sharply with good contrast.
If you add a logo or use light colors, increase the size slightly and always test a printed sample.
Business Card QR Code Size Guidelines
Not every business card is the same. Matte vs glossy, minimalist vs busy designs, and logo overlays all affect how large your QR code should be. Use these ranges as practical starting points.
Safe Minimum Size
0.8 in (2 cm) is the absolute minimum for simple, high-contrast QR codes.
Use only if the QR code links to a short URL and your design is very clean.
Recommended Everyday Size
0.9–1.0 in (2.3–2.5 cm) works best for most cards and use cases.
Ideal for vCard, website, booking links, or link-in-bio style pages.
If You Add a Logo
Aim for 1.0–1.1 in (2.5–2.8 cm) when you place a logo inside the QR.
Logos cover modules, so giving the code more size and breathing room improves reliability.
Where to Place the QR Code on Your Business Card
Smart placement can make your QR feel intentional instead of like an afterthought. These layouts keep your card readable and your QR easy to scan.
Back of the Card
Put your QR code on the back with a simple call-to-action like “Scan to save my contact” or “Scan for portfolio.”
This keeps the front clean and gives you more room for a larger, scannable QR code.
Bottom Corner on Front
A bottom-right or bottom-left corner placement works well—as long as you avoid placing it too close to the edge.
Leave at least 3–4 mm from the edge of the card to avoid cropping or print drift.
Vertical (Portrait) Cards
For vertical cards, consider stacking your logo, name, and QR code in a centered column.
Symmetry helps the QR feel like part of the design instead of a random stamp.
Cards for Events
If your card is meant for one specific event, linking to a landing page or slides, prioritize QR size over decorative elements.
A slightly larger QR is worth more than a tiny pattern or extra graphic that no one will notice.
Common Business Card QR Code Mistakes
- • Printing the QR code smaller than 0.8 in (2 cm).
- • Placing the code on top of textured or photo backgrounds.
- • Using very light colors or metallic inks for the QR code.
- • Cutting off the quiet zone (white margin) around the code.
- • Linking to long, messy URLs instead of short links or vCards.
- • Not testing the printed card with multiple phones.
- • Using glossy finishes that cause reflections and glare.
- • Rotating the QR code at odd angles just to “look cool.”
What Should Your Business Card QR Code Link To?
A QR code is most valuable when it takes people to something more useful than what’s already printed on the card. Here are popular options that pair well with scannable sizes:
vCard / Contact Card
Let people add you to their contacts with one tap instead of typing.
Works especially well for networking events, conferences, and trade shows.
Website or Portfolio
Send people straight to your home page, portfolio, or “About” page.
Make sure the page is mobile-friendly and loads quickly over cellular data.
Dynamic QR Landing Page
Use a dynamic QR code that you can update later without reprinting cards.
Ideal if your role, URL, or offer changes frequently.
Business Card QR Code Size FAQs
What is the minimum QR code size for a business card?
In most cases, you should not go smaller than about 0.8 in (2 cm) wide. Smaller codes might still work, but they become much more sensitive to print quality, lighting, and phone cameras.
Is 1 cm too small for a business card QR code?
Yes, 1 cm is usually too small for reliable scanning unless your QR code encodes very little data and is printed perfectly. Most real-world cards with 1 cm codes have inconsistent scan results.
Does adding a logo require a bigger QR code?
It does. A logo covers modules in the center of the code, so you should increase the overall size and use a higher error-correction level. For business cards, 1.0–1.1 in (2.5–2.8 cm) is safer with logos.
Should the QR code go on the front or back of the card?
Both can work. Many professionals put contact info on the front and a larger QR code with a call-to-action on the back. Choose whichever layout allows a comfortably sized, uncluttered QR code.
Can dynamic QR codes be smaller than static QR codes?
Dynamic QR codes often store short URLs, so they can be slightly more forgiving at smaller sizes. However, you should still follow the same safe minimums and test printed samples.
Create a Business Card QR Code That Actually Gets Used
Generate vCard and dynamic QR codes, choose colors, and download print-ready files sized correctly for your cards.
Generate Business Card QR CodeRelated QR Code Guides
Calculator and general rules for print and screens.
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Design tips for flyers, postcards, and mailers.
See which cards and campaigns are actually being scanned.
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