QR Code Size & Print Guide (Flyers, Posters, Packaging)

A QR code that looks fine on a screen can be unreadable in print if it's too small for its scanning distance. The rule of thumb: the code's minimum size should be about one-tenth of the distance people will scan it from.

Sizing by scanning distance

• Business card, held close (~15 cm / 6 in): at least 2 cm / 0.8 in square.
• Flyer or table tent, arm's length (~40 cm / 16 in): at least 3–4 cm / 1.2–1.6 in square.
• Poster on a wall (~1–2 m / 3–6 ft): at least 10–20 cm / 4–8 in square.
• Billboard or storefront window (several meters/yards): scale up proportionally — a code visible from 10 m needs roughly 1 m square.

File format for print

Always export as SVG or PDF for anything printed, not PNG. Vector formats stay perfectly sharp at any size — a PNG generated for a phone screen will look blurry or pixelated when blown up for a poster.

Other print details that matter

• Keep the blank quiet zone (the margin around the code) intact — don't crop it tight against other design elements.
• Use a higher error-correction level if the code will be printed on a textured or curved surface, or partly covered by a logo.
• Avoid printing on shiny or reflective stock without matte lamination — glare can prevent a camera from focusing on the code.