QR code size: minimum size for print.
Printed too small, and the camera will not focus. Too large, and the code eats up your flyer. The minimum size depends on two things: the scanning distance and the number of modules in the code.
- Table by distance
- Margin under ISO/IEC 18004
- Size in the generator
- Print PDF from 1 to 200 cm
How to find the right size
Four steps, then the size is clear.
- 1
Estimate the distance
Business cards and flyers are usually read in the hand, a poster from about 1 m, a shop window from several metres.
- 2
Keep the content short
The more the code holds, the more modules it has and the larger it must be. A short link keeps it small.
- 3
Create the code
Once created, the generator shows your code's minimum size for 20 cm, 1 m and 3 m.
- 4
Scan a test print
Print the code at the planned size and scan it from the real distance with two phones.
Minimum sizes by distance
Our rule of thumb: a module, the smallest dot of the code, is at least one three-hundredth of the scanning distance, and never under 0.4 mm.
Minimum width including the margin, in centimetres
| Content of the code | from 20 cm | from 50 cm | from 1 m | from 3 m |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short link of a dynamic code (25 × 25) | 2.5 cm | 5.5 cm | 11 cm | 33 cm |
| Link up to 42 characters (29 × 29) | 2.5 cm | 6.5 cm | 12.5 cm | 37 cm |
| Link up to 42 characters, with a logo (37 × 37) | 3 cm | 7.5 cm | 15 cm | 45 cm |
| Contact details from the sample in the form (57 × 57) | 4.5 cm | 11 cm | 22 cm | 65 cm |
A rule of thumb, not a standard: cameras and light differ. Before a large print run, the test print decides.
Keep the margin clear
Leave 4 modules clear around the code, as the ISO/IEC 18004 standard requires. The margin is part of the size; text and images start after it.
More content, larger code
A link of up to 42 characters has 29 × 29 modules at error correction M. The sample contact details in the form need 57 × 57.
Smallest size
Our rule of thumb never goes below 0.4 mm per module. A code with 29 × 29 modules then measures at least 1.5 cm including its margin.
Common mistakes
Margin cut off
Text, a frame or trimming right at the code takes the margin away from the camera. Plan for the 4 modules all around.
A long link in a small code
A long address with many parameters makes the code dense. Shorten the link or use a dynamic code with a short link.
Only checked on screen
On a monitor every code looks big enough. What counts is a test print at the original size.
Small code, long target?
A dynamic code only holds a short link: 25 × 25 modules at error correction M, however long the target. For a 20 cm distance, 2.5 cm is enough. In the free account every code is active for 7 days from creation, then paused until you choose a paid plan.
Frequently asked questions
How big does a QR code need to be?
That depends on the distance and the content. A link of up to 42 characters needs 2.5 cm for 20 cm and 12.5 cm for 1 m. Once created, the generator shows the size for your code.
How much margin does a QR code need?
4 modules on every side, as the ISO/IEC 18004 standard says. The generator sets this margin and warns you if it drops below 2 modules.
Which file should I use for print?
SVG is a vector and sharp at any size. You choose the CMYK print PDF in the width you want to print, from 1 to 200 cm.
Does the rule of thumb work for every phone?
It is a rule of thumb, not a standard. Cameras and light differ, so in the end the test print from the real distance decides.
Use cases
- Wi-Fi QR codeGuests connect with one scan, no password typing.
- vCard QR code for business cardsOne scan saves your contact details to the phone.
- Dynamic QR codeStatic or dynamic: when each kind of code makes sense.
- Google review QR codeTakes customers to your review form with one scan.
- QR code for your menuFrom the table straight to your current menu.
- All types in the generatorLink, text, contact or Wi-Fi with the full design.
Guides
Logo, size and print: what keeps a QR code easy to scan.