Size calculator · Free

QR code size calculator

Print a QR code too small and it won't scan; too big and it wastes space. Tell us how far people will scan from and we'll give you the right size — or work it the other way around.

Your scenario

What do you know?

Scan distance

The typical distance between the code and a phone camera when scanning.

Code density

Longer content packs in more modules and needs a bigger code to stay readable.

Rule of thumb: a QR code scans reliably up to about 10× its own width. A 3 cm code reads from roughly 30 cm away.

Recommended print size

3.0cm

≈ 1.2 in · scans from ~30 cm

Always add a clear quiet zone (≈4 modules) around the code and test before printing.

Quick reference

Common placements at a glance

Starting points for typical scan distances — always round up for busy or moving environments.

Business card

Scanned from ~10 cm — aim for a code around 1.5–2 cm wide.

Flyer & menu

Scanned from ~30 cm — around 3 cm is comfortable.

Product packaging

Held at ~20 cm — about 2–2.5 cm works well.

Poster on a wall

Scanned from ~2 m — go for 20 cm or more.

Shop window

Read from ~1–1.5 m — around 12–15 cm.

Billboard

Scanned from ~5 m+ — 50 cm and up, larger for traffic.

For businesses

Choose a size that matches the way customers scan

Different placements need different dimensions. Use the calculator before approving artwork for print or signage.

Cards & counter signs

Keep close-range codes compact, but leave enough quiet space for a phone camera to find the edges.

Menus & packaging

Plan for hand-held scanning, glare and imperfect lighting rather than the ideal conditions on screen.

Posters & windows

For codes scanned from a walkway or across a room, increase the size before adding decorative elements.

Guide

How to size a QR code for print

Tell the calculator how far away people will scan from, or how big the code will be printed, and it gives the matching size. It applies the 10:1 rule: a code scans reliably from about ten times its width, adjusted for how dense the code is.

The reference cards show typical sizes for business cards, flyers, packaging, posters, shop windows and billboards, so you can start from a sensible number.

Sizing tips

Round up for movement, glare or poor light.
Keep a blank margin of about four modules around the code.
Use SVG for large prints so edges stay sharp.
Always print and test one sample at the real size.

FAQ

QR sizing, explained

What's the minimum size for a QR code?

For close scanning, around 2 cm (0.8 in) is a safe minimum. Below that, dense codes become unreliable. This calculator gives a size tuned to your exact distance.

Where does the 10:1 rule come from?

Most phone cameras can resolve a QR code from about ten times its width. It's a practical guideline — round up for movement, poor light or dense codes.

Does more data change the size?

Yes. More data means more, smaller modules, so a denser code needs to be printed larger. Use the density option to account for it.

Why the quiet zone?

QR codes need a blank margin (about four modules) around them so scanners can find the edges. Never crop right up to the pattern.

Keep exploring

Sized it? Check the colors

Make sure your foreground and background have enough contrast to scan every time.

Open the color checker