Quick answer: a printed QR code should be at least 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 in). For longer distances use the 10:1 rule: the code width should be about one tenth of the scanning distance — 10 cm wide for a poster scanned from 1 meter.
A QR code that is too small is the number one reason printed codes fail. This guide gives you practical sizes for business cards, flyers, menus, posters and banners, plus the settings that make a code easier to scan.
The 10:1 rule
Divide the typical scanning distance by 10 to get the minimum code width. Then add a little extra for bad lighting, small phone cameras or dense codes.
| Where it is printed | Scanning distance | Recommended size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 10–20 cm | 2 × 2 cm (0.8 in) |
| Product packaging, labels | 15–25 cm | 2–2.5 cm (1 in) |
| Flyer, brochure, table menu | 20–40 cm | 3–4 cm (1.2–1.6 in) |
| Table tent, counter sign | 40–60 cm | 5–6 cm (2–2.4 in) |
| A4 / letter poster on a wall | 1 m | 10 cm (4 in) |
| Shop window | 2 m | 20 cm (8 in) |
| Banner, billboard | 5 m+ | 50 cm+ (20 in+) |
Content length changes the right size
A QR code is a grid of small squares (modules). More content means more modules, and every module becomes smaller at the same print size. A short URL like payate.com/menu creates a simple 25 × 25 grid; a long link with tracking parameters can create a 57 × 57 grid that needs to be printed twice as big.
- Use short links and remove unnecessary parameters.
- For vCards, include only the fields people need.
- If the code looks very dense, increase the print size.
Error correction and logos
Error correction lets a code scan even when part of it is damaged or covered:
- Low (7%) — smallest code, for clean screens and documents.
- Medium (15%) — the best default for print.
- Quartile (25%) — outdoor use, rough surfaces.
- High (30%) — required when you add a logo. It makes the code denser, so print it slightly larger.
Don’t forget the quiet zone
The empty border around the code tells the scanner where the code starts. Keep a margin of at least 4 modules (the “Standard” quiet zone in PAYATE QR). Never place text, lines or images right against the code.
Use the right file for printing
- SVG — best for printers and designers: a vector file that stays perfectly sharp at any size.
- PDF — ready-to-print page.
- PNG 2048 px — fine up to about 17 cm at 300 DPI. Never stretch a small PNG: blurry edges make codes fail.
Printing checklist
- Dark code on a light background with strong contrast.
- Minimum size from the table above.
- Quiet zone kept clear.
- Matte paper or surface — avoid reflections.
- Flat surface — curved bottles and folds distort the code.
- Test a printed proof with an iPhone and an Android phone at the real distance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest QR code that works?
About 1 × 1 cm can work for very short content scanned up close, but 2 × 2 cm is the safe minimum for print.
What size in pixels do I need?
For print, multiply the size in inches by 300. A 2-inch code needs about 600 px; PAYATE QR offers up to 2048 px or unlimited-size SVG.
Create a print-ready QR code: free PAYATE QR Code Generator (SVG & PDF) →