Best QR Code Sizes by Format

Size determines whether a QR code scans on the first try or not at all. Too small and phone cameras cannot resolve the modules. Too large and you waste valuable space in your design. This guide gives you exact size recommendations for every common format.

The Fundamental Rule

QR code size is tied to scanning distance:

Minimum size = scanning distance / 10

This means a QR code scanned from 30 cm away needs to be at least 3 cm across. A code on a sign scanned from 2 meters needs to be at least 20 cm.

This rule assumes a standard phone camera and normal lighting. In poor lighting, increase the size by 25–50%.

Size by Print Format

Business Cards (85 x 55 mm)

Recommended size: 2 x 2 cm to 2.5 x 2.5 cm

Business cards are scanned at close range (15–25 cm), so smaller sizes work. Keep the encoded data short — a URL or vCard with essential fields only. Long data strings produce denser codes that become unreliable at small sizes.

Place the QR code in a corner with adequate quiet zone (at least 2 mm of clear space on all sides).

Flyers and Brochures (A5 / A4)

Recommended size: 3 x 3 cm to 4 x 4 cm

Users typically hold flyers at arm’s length (25–40 cm). A 3 cm QR code is the sweet spot — large enough to scan reliably but small enough to fit the layout.

For tri-fold brochures, place the QR code on the back panel where it has room to breathe, or on an inner panel near a call to action.

Restaurant Menus (A4 / Tent Cards)

Recommended size: 3 x 3 cm minimum

Menu QR codes are scanned at table distance (30–50 cm). If the QR code is on a small tent card, 2.5 cm works at close range. For a wall-mounted menu board, increase to 5+ cm depending on the viewing distance.

Product Labels and Packaging

Recommended size: 2.5 x 2.5 cm to 3 x 3 cm

Consumers scan products in their hand (15–30 cm distance). The constraint is usually label real estate. For small packages (cosmetics, supplements), 2 cm minimum. For larger packaging (cereal boxes, shipping cartons), 3–4 cm is comfortable.

If printing on curved surfaces (bottles, cans), increase the size by 20% to compensate for distortion.

Posters (A3 / A2 / A1)

Recommended size: 5 x 5 cm to 10 x 10 cm

Poster scanning distances vary from 50 cm (close-up) to 2 m (across a corridor). For indoor posters at eye level, 5 cm is usually enough. For posters behind glass or in transit stations, 8–10 cm is safer.

Banners and Trade Show Displays

Recommended size: 15 x 15 cm to 25 x 25 cm

Large-format displays are scanned from 1–3 meters. The QR code needs to be significantly larger. Position it at eye level — not at the top of a 2-meter banner where people would need to crane their necks.

Window Stickers and Decals

Recommended size: 5 x 5 cm to 8 x 8 cm

Window scanning happens from outside, typically 50 cm to 1 m away. Glass adds a reflective layer that can interfere with scanning, so err on the larger side. Avoid placing QR codes on tinted glass.

Size by Digital Format

Websites and Landing Pages

Recommended size: 200 x 200 px minimum on screen

Screen QR codes are typically scanned by a second device (phone scanning laptop screen). The distance is arm’s length. At 200 px, the code is comfortable to scan. For QR codes meant to be screenshot and shared, export at 400+ px.

Social Media Posts

Recommended size: 300 x 300 px minimum within the image

Social media compresses images aggressively. Start with a high-resolution code and ensure it occupies a large enough portion of the image. On Instagram Stories (1080 x 1920), the QR code should be at least 300 px wide.

Email Signatures

Recommended size: 100 x 100 px to 150 x 150 px

Email clients often block or resize images. Keep the QR code simple (short URL only) and test across Gmail, Outlook, and Apple Mail. Consider linking to the QR code destination directly — email QR codes have low scan rates.

Presentations (Slides)

Recommended size: 5 x 5 cm (at projected scale)

When projected, a 5 cm QR code on a slide might display at 50 cm on screen. This is fine for audiences within 5 meters. For large auditoriums, increase the slide QR code size or display it full-screen briefly.

Quick Reference Chart

Format	Minimum Size	Recommended Size	Scanning Distance
Business card	1.5 cm	2–2.5 cm	15–25 cm
Product label	2 cm	2.5–3 cm	15–30 cm
Flyer (A5/A4)	2.5 cm	3–4 cm	25–40 cm
Menu	2.5 cm	3–4 cm	30–50 cm
Poster (A3)	4 cm	5–7 cm	50–150 cm
Poster (A1)	6 cm	8–10 cm	1–2 m
Banner	12 cm	15–25 cm	1–3 m
Screen (web)	150 px	200–400 px	25–40 cm

Data Density Affects Size

A QR code encoding https://g.co has far fewer modules than one encoding a 200-character URL. More data means a denser grid, which means each individual module is smaller.

If your QR code encodes a lot of data (long URLs, vCard details, WiFi credentials with complex passwords), you need a larger physical size to keep each module big enough for cameras to resolve.

Best practice: use a URL shortener or redirect to keep the encoded data minimal, then use the extra size headroom for error correction. For format-specific advice, see PNG vs SVG for QR codes.

When in Doubt, Go Bigger

An oversized QR code that scans instantly is always better than a compact one that requires three attempts. If your layout allows it, make the QR code 20–30% larger than the minimum. The extra space costs nothing but buys reliability.