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QR Code Size Guide: Perfect Dimensions for Print & Digital (2026)
Choosing the right QR code size is crucial. Too small and it won't scan. Too large and it wastes space. This complete guide covers QR code dimensions for every use case.
Quick Answer: What Size Should My QR Code Be?
| Use Case |
Physical Size |
Pixel Size |
Viewing Distance |
| Business Card |
0.8-1 inch |
300-500px |
12 inches |
| Flyer/Brochure |
1.5-2 inches |
600-800px |
2-3 feet |
| Poster |
3-4 inches |
1000-1500px |
5-10 feet |
| Banner/Sign |
6-8 inches |
1500-2000px |
15-20 feet |
| Billboard |
4+ feet |
2000px+ |
50+ feet |
| Digital Screen |
N/A |
256-512px |
Arms length |
The Golden Rule: 10% of Viewing Distance
A reliable formula for QR code sizing:
QR Code Size = Viewing Distance ÷ 10
Example: If people will scan from 3 feet away, your QR code should be at least 3.6 inches (3 feet ÷ 10 = 0.3 feet = 3.6 inches).
Print Resolution Guide
For Professional Printing
- 300 DPI minimum - Industry standard for print
- 600 DPI preferred - For high-quality materials
- Calculate pixels needed: Physical Size (inches) × DPI = Pixels needed
Example Calculations
| Physical Size |
At 300 DPI |
At 600 DPI |
| 1 inch |
300px |
600px |
| 2 inches |
600px |
1200px |
| 4 inches |
1200px |
2400px |
Common QR Code Sizes by Industry
Restaurants & Hospitality
- Table tents: 2-3 inches (800-1000px)
- Menus: 1.5-2 inches (600-800px)
- Window decals: 4-6 inches (1500-2000px)
Retail & E-commerce
- Product labels: 0.5-1 inch (256-500px)
- Shelf tags: 1-1.5 inches (500-600px)
- Store windows: 6+ inches (2000px+)
Events & Conferences
- Badges: 0.75 inch (300-400px)
- Banners: 8-12 inches (2000px+)
- Programs: 1.5 inches (600px)
Marketing Materials
- Business cards: 0.8-1 inch (300-500px)
- Brochures: 1.5-2 inches (600-800px)
- Billboards: 4+ feet (2000px+ maximum quality)
Digital Display Sizes
Website & Email
- Email signatures: 150-200px
- Website footer: 200-300px
- Landing pages: 300-400px
Social Media
- Instagram posts: 400-600px
- Facebook covers: 500-800px
- LinkedIn banners: 600-800px
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How to Test QR Code Scannability
Before Printing
- Generate your QR code at the intended size
- Display on screen at actual print size
- Test from the expected viewing distance
- Try multiple QR scanner apps
- Test in different lighting conditions
💡 Pro Tip: Always add 20-30% to your calculated size for safety margin. Better too large than too small!
Common QR Code Size Mistakes
1. Using Low Resolution for Print
Digital screens are forgiving at 72-96 DPI. Print requires 300+ DPI. A 256px QR code looks fine on screen but prints tiny and blurry.
2. Not Accounting for Viewing Distance
A 1-inch QR code on a billboard 50 feet away is invisible. Use the 10% rule: viewing distance ÷ 10 = minimum QR size.
3. Making QR Codes Too Complex
Long URLs create complex QR codes that need to be larger to scan reliably. Use URL shorteners for better results.
4. Ignoring Quiet Zones
QR codes need white space (quiet zone) around them equal to 4 modules (dots) wide. Don't crop too tight!
QR Code Size FAQ
What is the minimum QR code size?
0.4 inches (10mm) absolute minimum. For reliable scanning, use 0.8+ inches for close-up viewing.
Can QR codes be too big?
No maximum size, but extremely large codes (12+ inches) may be harder to fit in phone camera frames. 4-8 inches is ideal maximum for most uses.
What DPI should I use for QR codes?
300 DPI minimum for professional printing. 600 DPI for premium materials. Higher is better.
How do I calculate QR code size?
Measure viewing distance, divide by 10. That's your minimum QR code size. Add 30% safety margin.
What resolution QR code do I need for a billboard?
2000px minimum. Billboards are viewed from far away, so the QR code needs to be physically massive (4+ feet), requiring maximum resolution.
Industry-Specific Size Recommendations
Restaurants
- Table menus: 2.5 inches / 1000px (scanned from 24 inches)
- Window signs: 6 inches / 2000px (street visibility)
- Receipts: 1 inch / 400px (close viewing)
Real Estate
- Yard signs: 8 inches / 2000px (curb appeal from street)
- Flyers: 2 inches / 800px (hand-held)
- Business cards: 0.8 inch / 400px (networking)
Healthcare
- Patient forms: 1.5 inches / 600px (desk viewing)
- Signage: 4 inches / 1500px (waiting room)
- Prescription labels: 0.6 inch / 300px (minimum for small labels)
Education
- Textbooks: 1 inch / 400px (close reading)
- Classroom posters: 4 inches / 1500px (back-of-room viewing)
- Student IDs: 0.75 inch / 350px (hand-held)
Resolution Checklist for Print
Before sending to printer:
- ✅ QR code generated at 300+ DPI equivalent
- ✅ File saved as PNG or PDF (not JPG - compression artifacts)
- ✅ Quiet zone (white border) included
- ✅ Tested at actual print size
- ✅ Scanned from expected viewing distance
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Conclusion
Getting QR code sizing right is critical for successful scanning. Use the 10% rule as your baseline, choose appropriate resolution for print, and always test before mass production.
Remember: When in doubt, go bigger. A slightly oversized QR code scans reliably. An undersized one doesn't scan at all.
Last updated: February 2026 | Eazy QR Codes | More QR Code Guides