The most common reason a printed QR code fails is simple: it is too small for the distance people scan it from. Here is how to pick the right size every time.
The minimum size
For most print jobs, keep your QR code at least 2 × 2 cm (about 0.8 × 0.8 in). Smaller codes can work for very short content, but they become hard to scan with older phones or in low light.
The 10:1 distance rule
A practical rule of thumb: the scanning distance should be no more than about 10 times the width of the code.
Example: A poster that people scan from 2 metres away needs a code of roughly 20 cm wide.
Use this to work out the size before you design the layout, not after.
Size guide for common materials
| Material | Typical scan distance | Suggested code size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 15–25 cm | 2–2.5 cm |
| Flyer or brochure | 20–30 cm | 3–4 cm |
| Table tent / menu | 30–40 cm | 3–4 cm |
| Poster | 1–2 m | 10–20 cm |
| Banner or window | 3–5 m | 30–50 cm |
Things that matter as much as size
Keep the quiet zone
Leave a clear, empty border around the code — at least the width of four small squares of the code. Text or images touching the code can stop it scanning.
Use strong contrast
Dark code on a light background works best. Avoid light-on-light colors, and be careful with inverted (light on dark) codes, as some older scanners struggle with them.
Keep the content short
The more data a code holds, the more (and smaller) squares it has. A dynamic QR code always stores a short link, so it stays easy to scan even at small sizes. See static vs dynamic QR codes for the details.
Mind the error correction with logos
If you add a logo in the center, use a higher error correction level. QR codes have four levels — L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%) and H (30%) of the code can be damaged and still scan — and a logo covers part of the code.
Print checklist
- Code is at least 2 × 2 cm
- Size follows the 10:1 distance rule
- Clear quiet zone on all sides
- High contrast, dark on light
- Exported as SVG or high-resolution PNG
- Test-scanned on iPhone and Android after printing
Ready to make one? Create a website QR code and download it in high resolution for print.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest QR code size that still scans?
Around 2 × 2 cm (0.8 in) is a safe minimum for most print. Very short content can scan smaller, but always test with real phones first.
Which file format is best for printing a QR code?
SVG is best because it scales to any size without getting blurry. If you need a PNG, export it at a high resolution.
Does adding a logo make a QR code harder to scan?
A small logo is fine if the code uses a high error correction level and the logo stays in the center. Always test-scan after adding a logo.
Written by Harsh
Practical guides from the My QR Code Generator team on QR marketing, design and analytics.