Scan distance to minimum print size
The rule of thumb for QR codes is a 10:1 ratio: the printed code should be at least one-tenth as wide as the farthest distance people scan it from. The table below applies that ratio with a little headroom. Always print at or above the minimum, keep contrast high, and leave the quiet zone clear.
| Scan distance | Minimum QR size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 10 cm (4 in) | 1 cm (0.4 in) | Business card, product label |
| 30 cm (1 ft) | 3 cm (1.2 in) | Menu, table tent, flyer in hand |
| 1 m (3 ft) | 10 cm (4 in) | Poster, shelf talker |
| 2 m (7 ft) | 20 cm (8 in) | Yard sign, window display |
| 5 m (16 ft) | 50 cm (20 in) | Wall banner, trade-show booth |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 1 m (3.3 ft) | Billboard, building signage |
These are minimums. Bigger is always safer, especially outdoors or where people scan in motion. For an exact figure from your own distance, use the QR code size calculator. And print from an SVG so the module edges stay crisp at any size.
See also
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