QR Code Size Guide: What Size Should a QR Code Be?

Why QR Code Size Matters

A QR code that's too small won't scan. One that's too large looks unprofessional. Getting the **right QR code size** ensures your codes work reliably across all use cases.

General Size Rules

Use CaseMinimum SizeRecommended Size

|----------|-------------|------------------|

Business card1.5cm (0.6in)2cm (0.8in) Flyer / Poster3cm (1.2in)5cm (2in) Magazine ad2cm (0.8in)3cm (1.2in) Billboard10cm (4in)20cm (8in) Digital screen100px200px Product packaging2cm (0.8in)3cm (1.2in) Receipt1.5cm (0.6in)2cm (0.8in)

Factors That Affect Scanability

1. Scanning Distance

The further away the scanner, the larger the QR code needs to be:

**Arm's length** (20-30cm) — minimum 1.5cm

**Table distance** (50-70cm) — minimum 3cm

**Room distance** (2-5m) — minimum 10cm

A simple rule: **the QR code should be as large as the distance divided by 10**.

10cm distance → 1cm QR code

100cm distance → 10cm QR code

2. Content Density

More data = more modules (tiny squares) = needs to be larger.

**Short URL** (20 chars) — standard size

**Long URL** (100+ chars) — needs 20-30% larger

**vCard** (lots of data) — needs 30-50% larger

3. Error Correction Level

QRGen Pro uses **H (highest) error correction** — this means:

The QR code has more modules

It scans even if damaged or partially covered

It needs to be slightly larger than low error correction

4. Quiet Zone (Mandatory)

The white border around the QR code must be at least **4 modules wide** (roughly 10-15% of the QR code size). Never place text or graphics in this area.

Size Recommendations by Use Case

Business Cards

**Recommended**: 2cm x 2cm (800px at 300 DPI)

**Minimum**: 1.5cm x 1.5cm

**Placement**: Back of card or bottom corner of front

**Tip**: Use a vCard QR code so contacts save automatically

Flyers & Posters

**Recommended**: 5cm x 5cm

**Minimum**: 3cm x 3cm

**Placement**: Bottom corner with clear CTA above

Restaurant Menus

**Recommended**: 3cm x 3cm

**Minimum**: 2cm x 2cm

**Placement**: Top or bottom corner of each menu page

Digital QR Code Sizes

For screens (websites, social media, digital displays):

**Minimum**: 100px x 100px

**Recommended**: 200px x 200px

**Optimal**: 256px x 256px (standard QRGen Pro size)

How QRGen Pro Helps

QRGen Pro offers three sizes: **128px, 256px, and 384px**.

**128px** — perfect for digital use (social media, email signatures)

**256px** — balanced for most print needs

**384px** — high resolution for large format printing

Download at 384px for best print quality and scale down if needed.

Quick Checklist Before Printing

[ ] QR code is at least 2cm wide

[ ] White quiet zone is clean (no text or graphics)

[ ] High contrast (dark on light)

[ ] Tested with iPhone and Android

[ ] URL still works (test before going to print)

Generate your QR code with the right size → →