A QR code that's too small won't scan. One that's too big wastes space. Getting the size right depends on where the QR will be displayed and how far away the scanner will be.
Here's a practical guide with specific sizes for every common use case.
The 10:1 Rule
The simplest rule for QR code sizing: the scanning distance should be no more than 10 times the width of the QR code.
A 3 cm QR code can be scanned from up to 30 cm away (about arm's length). A 10 cm QR code works from up to 1 meter. A 30 cm QR code on a banner works from about 3 meters.
This is a rough guideline — actual scanning distance also depends on camera quality, lighting, and QR code density (how much data is encoded). But it works as a starting point.
Recommended Sizes by Use Case
Business card — 2×2 cm to 2.5×2.5 cm. Scanned up close, from about 15-20 cm. This is the absolute minimum practical size.
Table tent or sticker — 3×3 cm to 4×4 cm. Scanned from 30-50 cm. Common in restaurants and cafes.
Flyer (A5/A4) — 3×3 cm to 5×5 cm. Depends on placement on the flyer. Should be large enough to notice but not dominate the design.
Poster (A3/A2) — 5×5 cm to 8×8 cm. Viewed from 0.5-1.5 meters. Needs to be big enough to scan from a standing distance.
Banner or roll-up — 10×10 cm to 20×20 cm. Viewed from 1-3 meters. Go bigger if it's a large format banner.
Billboard — 30×30 cm or more. But honestly, QR codes on billboards are questionable — people in cars can't safely scan them, and pedestrians are usually too far away.
Digital screen — 200×200 px minimum for on-screen display. For presentations, go 400×400 px or larger. Make sure the screen resolution is high enough that individual QR modules are sharp.
Email or social media — 200×200 px to 400×400 px. The recipient will view it on a different screen, so they need a second device (phone) to scan. Think about whether this makes sense for your use case.
What Affects Scannability
Data density. A QR code encoding a short URL (25 characters) has larger modules than one encoding a 300-character vCard. Larger modules are easier to scan from a distance. Use short URLs (or dynamic QR with a short redirect link) when scanning distance matters.
Error correction level. QR codes have four error correction levels: L (7%), M (15%), Q (25%), H (30%). Higher correction means the QR can withstand more damage but has denser modules. For most use cases, M (15%) is the default and works well.
Contrast. High contrast (dark QR on light background) scans faster and from further away than low contrast. This effectively increases the usable scanning distance.
Print quality. A sharp laser print scans better than an inkjet print on textured paper. For important QR codes, use the highest print quality available.
PNG vs SVG for Print
If you're printing a QR code, the file format matters.
PNG is a raster format — it has a fixed resolution. A 300×300 px PNG will look fine at 2.5 cm but will become pixelated at 10 cm. For large print, you need a higher resolution PNG (1200×1200 px or more).
SVG is a vector format — it scales to any size without losing quality. Whether you print it at 2 cm or 2 meters, it stays perfectly sharp. This is always the better choice for print.
At qree.app, you can download both PNG (in multiple sizes) and SVG.
Common Mistakes
Making the QR too small "to save space." A QR code nobody can scan is worse than no QR code at all. Give it the space it needs.
Putting a QR code where people can't reach it. A QR on a ceiling, the top of a tall banner, or inside a glass display case — people can't get their phone close enough.
No quiet zone. The QR code needs a white border (quiet zone) around it — at least the width of one module. Without it, surrounding design elements interfere with scanning. Most generators add this automatically, but check when placing the QR in your design.
Printing from a screenshot. Never screenshot a QR code and print it. You lose resolution. Always use the original downloaded file (PNG at full size or SVG).
Create Print-Ready QR Codes
At qree.app, download QR codes in SVG for perfect print quality at any size, or PNG in multiple resolutions.