QR code size calculator
Pick your format or the distance people will scan from: the minimum size shows in inches, centimeters and pixels for a sharp print.
Updated September 24, 2026
Calculate your QR code size
Pick the format or the scanning distance: the minimum size shows up instantly.
A dynamic code always holds a short link.
Perceived contrast drops in print, so we add 20%.
Recommended minimum size
1.57 in wide (4 cm)
That is 472 pixels wide for a sharp print at 300 dpi.
Rule: one tenth of the scanning distance, never under 2 cm (0.8 in), plus a 4-module white margin.
The 10:1 rule
The rule most printers and QR code vendors use is simple: the code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance. A code scanned from 10 feet needs to be 12 inches wide. Below 0.8 inch (2 cm), many phones struggle to focus even up close: that is the floor.
| Format | Scanning distance | Minimum size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | 10 in | 1 in |
| Table tent, flyer | 16 in | 1.6 in |
| Sticker | 20 in | 2 in |
| Shop window | 5 ft | 6 in |
| Poster | 6.5 ft | 8 in |
| Yard sign | 13 ft | 16 in |
What makes a code bigger
Density. The 10:1 rule assumes an airy pattern, like a short link. Long content multiplies modules, so each one shrinks at the same printed size. The calculator adds 25% for a long URL and 60% for a full vCard or long text. A dynamic code always holds a short link, which is the easiest way to keep a code small.
Colors. Navy on cream reads worse than black on white, especially under artificial light. The calculator adds 20% whenever you are not printing black on white, just like the print helper in our designer.
The white margin. The size shown is the pattern itself. Add a white margin of 4 modules around it, roughly 15% of the width on each side. On a busy design, keep it truly empty.
Pixels and file resolution
For a sharp print, a raster file (PNG, JPG) needs at least 300 pixels per inch at print size. The calculator gives that number: a 1.6 inch code needs 480 pixels. The safest option is still vector (SVG, PDF or EPS), which scales without loss and is what print shops prefer.
Special cases
- Curved surfaces (bottles, mugs): the code distorts at the edges. Keep its width to about a third of the diameter and orient it vertically.
- Thermal printing (receipts): 203 dpi enlarges each dot. Aim for modules of at least 0.5 mm, so use a short link.
- Moving targets: nobody scans a truck in traffic. Size for scanning while parked.
- Screens and slides: the code should take at least a quarter of the slide height and stay up for 20 seconds.
Once the size is set, check your file with the QR code checker, then print a proof. The format guides add the specifics of each medium, like business cards or posters.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum size of a QR code?
0.8 inch (2 cm) wide, not counting the white margin, for scanning from about 8 inches. Below that, many phones cannot focus.
Does a bigger code always scan better?
From far away, yes. Up close, a huge code no longer fits in the camera frame: match the size to the real distance.
Where does the 10:1 rule come from?
It is a rule of thumb used by QR code vendors and printers, based on phone camera resolution. It is not part of the ISO standard.
Can I embed this calculator on my site?
Not yet. An embeddable widget with a credit link is planned.
Sources
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