# QR code sizes: how big should you actually print them?

> Published 2026-04-14 · 6 min read · By QR Code Easily
> Canonical: https://qrcodeeasily.com/blog/qr-code-sizes/

**TL;DR** — Use the 1:10 rule — the side of the QR should be at least one-tenth of the scan distance. Phone in hand (30 cm) → 3 cm wide. Wall poster (1 m) → 10 cm. Trade show banner (3 m) → 30 cm. Billboard (5 m+) → 50 cm or more. Always include a quiet zone (white margin) and use vector SVG for print. When in doubt, print bigger.

## The 1:10 rule

The QR code's **side length should be at least one-tenth of the scan distance**:

- Scanned from 30 cm away → minimum 3 cm × 3 cm
- Scanned from 100 cm away → minimum 10 cm × 10 cm
- Scanned from 5 m away → minimum 50 cm × 50 cm
- Scanned from a passing car at 20 m → minimum 2 m × 2 m

Modern phone cameras (iPhone 12+, recent flagship Androids) routinely scan codes smaller than 1:10 in good conditions. But if you're printing in volume, design for the worst phone in average lighting.

## Real-world examples

- **Restaurant menu QR (table tent)** — scan distance 25–40 cm. Recommended size: **3–5 cm**.
- **Business card QR** — scan distance 20–30 cm. Recommended: **2–2.5 cm**. Below 2 cm, scan reliability drops significantly.
- **Wall poster (A2 / A3)** — scan distance 1–2 m. Recommended: **10–20 cm**. On A3, a 10–12 cm QR is proportional. On A2, 15–20 cm.
- **Storefront window** — scan distance 1–3 m. Recommended: **15–30 cm**. Face away from direct sunlight to avoid reflections.
- **Trade show banner** — scan distance 2–5 m. Recommended: **25–50 cm**. Add a "Scan me" caption with an arrow — dramatically increases scan rates.
- **Billboard or building side** — scan distance 10–50 m. Recommended: **1–5 m**. Include a short URL in plain text alongside as a fallback.

## Print resolution and DPI

The 1:10 rule covers physical size. You also need enough **print resolution**:

- **Standard print (300 DPI)** — fine for codes 3 cm and larger. Default for most professional print shops.
- **High DPI (600 DPI)** — recommended for QR codes under 2 cm or printed at very high contrast on coated stock.
- **Photo-quality (1200 DPI)** — overkill for QR codes, but if your design uses it, your QR will be perfect.

If you download as **SVG**, you don't have to worry about DPI — vectors render at whatever resolution the printer supports.

## Minimum module size in pixels (for digital displays)

For screens — kiosks, TV slides, digital signage, app screenshots — each *module* should be at least **4 px**, ideally 6–8 px.

- Short URL (~25 modules wide, version 2): minimum 100 px, comfortable 200 px
- Medium data (~33 modules, version 4): minimum 130 px, comfortable 260 px
- Long data / high ECC (~57 modules, version 10): minimum 230 px, comfortable 460 px

For digital signage on a large TV viewed from across the room, treat it like a wall poster: 1:10 ratio.

## The quiet zone (don't forget the border)

Every QR code needs a **quiet zone** — a margin of light/blank pixels around it equal to at least 4 modules. Without it, the scanner can't tell where the code starts.

Common pitfall: a designer puts the QR right against a colored block or text. The code doesn't scan. Solution: leave at least 4 modules of empty light space on every side.

## Smaller than 1:10?

Can work in good conditions — bright lighting, recent phone, no motion. But every step you go below 1:10 increases the failure rate. Going from 1:10 to 1:15 might fail 5% of the time; going to 1:20 might fail 30%.

If you must go small, compensate with:

- Higher contrast (black-on-white only)
- Higher print DPI (600+)
- Shorter encoded URL (fewer modules → bigger modules per square cm)
- No logo

## Bigger than 1:10?

No downside. Bigger QR = easier to scan, faster, more forgiving. The only "cost" is page real estate.

> **Pro tip:** add a short, plain-text URL underneath the QR. Users who can't or won't scan can still type. Costs nothing, gains fallback users.

## Quick reference table

- Business card QR: **2–2.5 cm**
- Restaurant table QR: **3–5 cm**
- Product label QR: **2–4 cm**
- A4 flyer / poster QR: **5–8 cm**
- A3 poster QR: **10–15 cm**
- A2 poster / shop window QR: **15–25 cm**
- Trade show banner QR: **25–50 cm**
- Outdoor billboard QR: **1–5 m**

## Related guides

- [Why my QR code doesn't scan — 8 common mistakes](https://qrcodeeasily.com/blog/why-my-qr-code-wont-scan/)
- [How to make a QR code for free — complete guide](https://qrcodeeasily.com/blog/how-to-make-a-qr-code/)
- [How to add a logo without breaking your QR code](https://qrcodeeasily.com/blog/qr-code-with-logo/)