Print a QR code at least about 2 x 2 cm (0.8 inch) for close scanning such as business cards and packaging, and use the 10:1 rule for anything farther away: the code should be about one tenth of the scanning distance (so roughly 10 cm wide for a poster read from 1 metre). Keep a blank margin (quiet zone) of at least four modules around it, use dark code on a light background with strong contrast, keep the link short so the pattern stays simple, and test the printed proof on several phones before printing the full run.
- Minimum about 2 x 2 cm for handheld items.
- Size = scanning distance divided by about 10.
- Leave a quiet zone (empty border) around the code.
- Dark on light, high contrast, no busy backgrounds.
- Download a sharp PNG from the free QR Code Generator.
The billboard QR nobody could scan
Picture a real estate company putting a QR code on a big roadside banner. Proud of the design, they make it small and stylish in the corner, light grey on white to “match the brand”. From the footpath, phones see a pale smudge. From a car, nothing at all. Thousands of people pass by; almost nobody scans.
QR codes are a bridge between print and phone. If the bridge is too small or too faint, nobody crosses.
Size by distance
| Where | Typical scan distance | Suggested minimum size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card, product label | 10 to 20 cm | 2 x 2 cm |
| Flyer, menu, table card | 20 to 40 cm | 3 to 4 cm |
| Poster on a wall | 1 m | 10 cm |
| Shop window, standee | 2 m | 20 cm |
| Banner or billboard | 5 m or more | 50 cm or more |
Design rules that keep codes scannable
Error correction, in plain words
QR codes have built-in error correction, so they still scan when slightly damaged or dirty. Higher levels (Q or H) let a code survive more damage or a small logo in the centre, but make the pattern denser, so print it a little larger. For simple printed materials, the default level is fine.
Before you print 1,000 copies
- Download a high-resolution PNGOr vector, if your generator supports it. Never screenshot a QR for print.
- Place it at the right sizeUse the table above.
- Print one proofOn the same paper or material.
- Test on several phonesiPhone and Android, old and new, in different light.
- Check the destinationMake sure the link opens the right page and loads quickly on mobile data.
Common mistakes
- Stretching the code into a rectangle.
- Inverted colours (white code on black) that some scanners struggle with.
- Putting the code over a busy photo.
- Linking to a page that is not mobile friendly.
- Using a trial “dynamic” code that later expires. See static vs dynamic QR codes.
Related guides
Read how to create a QR code that always scans and QR code menus for restaurants.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum size for a QR code?
About 2 x 2 cm (0.8 inch) for items scanned up close, such as business cards and labels.
How big should a QR code be on a poster?
Use the 10:1 rule: about one tenth of the scanning distance. For a poster scanned from 1 metre, about 10 cm wide.
What is the quiet zone of a QR code?
The empty margin around the code, ideally at least four modules wide, which helps scanners find the code.
Can I use coloured QR codes?
Yes, as long as the code is dark on a light background with strong contrast. Test before printing.
Why won't my printed QR code scan?
Common causes are small size, low contrast, a missing quiet zone, glare, curved surfaces or a very long link.
Create QR codes that never expire, in your own colours, and download them as PNG.
Guides for this tool
Guide · 3 min readHow to Create a QR Code for Free (and Make Sure It Always Scans)
Guide · 3 min readQR Codes for Business: 15 Smart Ways to Use Them
Guide · 3 min readStatic vs Dynamic QR Codes: Which One Should You Use?
Guide · 3 min readHow to Make a Wi-Fi QR Code (Guests Join Without Typing the Password)Want a tool, website or app like this for your business?
Every free tool on this site is designed and coded by Tanvir H, a Bangladesh-based WordPress and Elementor web designer with 7+ years of experience and 650+ projects for clients worldwide. Fast, mobile-first, search-optimised websites that turn visitors into customers.
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