You have created a perfect QR code, but if it is printed too small or too large for the context, it will not scan properly. Getting the size right is critical — and it depends entirely on where and how people will scan it.
The golden rule
The minimum recommended QR code size is 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 inches). At this size, a smartphone can reliably scan the code from a distance of about 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches). Anything smaller risks scan failures, especially in less-than-ideal lighting.
Size recommendations by use case
- Business cards: 2 x 2 cm — minimum viable size, works at close range
- Flyers and brochures: 3 x 3 cm — comfortable scanning distance of about 30 cm
- Product packaging: 2.5 x 2.5 cm — balances space and scannability
- Restaurant menus: 3 x 3 cm — accounts for varied lighting conditions
- Posters (A3/A2): 5 x 5 cm or larger — needs to be visible and scannable from a few feet away
- Banners and billboards: 15 x 15 cm or larger — people scan from several meters away
- Event badges: 2.5 x 2.5 cm — handheld scanning at close range
The 10:1 scanning distance rule
A reliable rule of thumb: the scanning distance is roughly 10 times the QR code width. So a 3 cm QR code can be scanned from about 30 cm away. A 10 cm QR code works from about 1 meter. Plan your size based on where people will be standing when they scan.
PNG vs SVG for printing
If you are printing your QR code, always download the SVG format. SVG is a vector format, which means it can be scaled to any size without losing quality. PNG files are raster images — they look fine on screen but become blurry when enlarged beyond their original resolution.
Qrafy lets you download both PNG and SVG for free.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Printing too small: A QR code under 1.5 cm is unreliable. When in doubt, go bigger.
- Low contrast: Light gray on white will not scan. Use dark modules on a light background.
- No quiet zone: Leave at least 4 modules worth of white space around the QR code. If other design elements crowd it, scanning fails.
- Printing on curved surfaces: QR codes on bottles or cylinders distort the pattern. Print larger to compensate.
- Not testing: Always scan a printed proof before mass production.
Summary
Choose the right size based on scanning distance, use SVG for print, maintain contrast, and always test. Follow these guidelines and your QR codes will scan reliably every time.