How big should a QR code be in print? About one tenth of the scan distance. Enter how far away people will be when they scan, and get the minimum print size in centimetres and inches. Free, with no sign-up.
Unit
Or start from a common case
Minimum code width
30.0 cm
11.8 in
Plus a white border on every side. This is a rule of thumb, so test a printed sample.
Printing this on an ad?An Adscano QR also counts scans and collects leads for each placement, and you can change the page after printing.See how dynamic QR codes work
The formula
Code width = scan distance ÷ 10. This 10:1 ratio is a common rule of thumb in print, and it is not a formal standard. A code scanned from 3 m (10 ft) should be about 30 cm (11.8 in) wide. Inches are centimetres ÷ 2.54.
Common sizes
Where it's printed
Scanned from
Minimum width
Flyer, postcard, packaging
30 cm (12 in)
3.0 cm (1.2 in)
Newspaper or magazine
40 cm (16 in)
4.0 cm (1.6 in)
A4 poster or shop window
1 m (3 ft)
10.0 cm (3.9 in)
A3 poster or counter display
1.5 m (5 ft)
15.0 cm (5.9 in)
Bus shelter or eye-level banner
3 m (10 ft)
30.0 cm (11.8 in)
Building banner
10 m (33 ft)
100.0 cm (39.4 in)
When to print larger
The rule assumes good light, a sharp print and a short link. Go bigger if the code holds a long web address, if the surface is glossy or curved, if people will scan at an angle, or if the lighting is poor. Keep dark modules on a light background and leave a white border around the code.
A common rule of thumb is one tenth of the scan distance: 3 cm (1.2 in) for a flyer read at 30 cm, 30 cm (11.8 in) for a banner scanned from 3 m (10 ft). Test a printed sample with a real phone.
What is the smallest QR code I can print?
Common guidance is about 2 cm (0.8 in), and only for a short link printed sharply on good paper. Most phones struggle below that.
Does the white border count?
No. Add a clear white border, called the quiet zone, on every side. The QR code standard asks for at least four modules, the small squares that make up the code.
Does a long web address change the size?
Yes. More data means more modules, and each one prints smaller. Use a short link so the same print size scans more easily. Dynamic codes store a short link for this reason.
Why does my code scan on screen but not in print?
Common causes are low contrast, a code printed too small, a missing white border, glare from gloss or lamination, or a light code on a dark background. Try a proof before the full run.
