The rule of thumb: size a QR code to roughly a tenth of its intended scan distance. A code meant to be scanned from a meter away needs to be at least 10 cm across. Here's the sizing table for common contexts, and how to verify before printing.
The rule of thumb
Divide the expected scan distance by ten to get a safe minimum size. This holds up well across most modern smartphone cameras and gives comfortable margin — err larger rather than smaller if you're between two sizes.
| Context | Scan distance | Minimum code size |
|---|---|---|
| Business card | ~20-30 cm | ~2 cm |
| Table tent / menu | ~50 cm | ~4-5 cm |
| Poster / flyer | ~1-2 m | ~10-20 cm |
| Storefront window | ~3-5 m | ~30-50 cm |
| Billboard / large signage | ~15-50 m | ~1.5-5 m |
Why size matters more than most people expect
- Too small is the far more common failure. People rarely print codes too large; the near-universal mistake is sizing for a close-range template and then using it somewhere the scan distance is much greater.
- Distance changes with context, not intent. A poster designed to be seen from across a room needs a size that matches that reality, not the size that looked fine on a laptop screen while designing it.
How to verify before a full print run
- Print a proof at the actual intended size and material.
- Stand at the realistic scan distance and test with two different phones — not just up close on your desk.
- If it's borderline, size up — there's no downside to a code being larger than strictly necessary.
See why your QR code won't scan for the other common causes of scan failure beyond size.
Build yours in the editor → capyqr.com
A code, correctly sized
Here's a Capy QR — export at whatever size your scan distance calls for, as vector so quality never degrades:
Frequently asked questions
- How big should a printed QR code be?
- As a rule of thumb, the code should be at least a tenth of the intended scan distance — a code meant to be scanned from 1 meter away should be at least 10 cm on a side. Always test the actual printed size before a full run.
- Where does the 'one-tenth of scan distance' rule come from?
- It's a practical approximation based on typical smartphone camera focus range and module resolution — not an exact physics formula, but a reliable starting point that holds up well in real-world testing across most phones.
- Is there a minimum absolute size for a QR code, regardless of distance?
- Generally, avoid printing a functional code smaller than about 2 cm on a side, even for very close-range scanning — below that, module density and camera focus limits start causing reliability issues on most phones.
- Does adding a logo change the size I need?
- Yes — a logo uses part of the code's error-correction budget, which can mean sizing up slightly to keep individual modules easily distinguishable, especially at the smaller end of the size range.
- Can a QR code be too big?
- Not functionally — there's no upper size limit that hurts scanning. An oversized code just looks impractical or takes up more space than needed; the real risk is always being too small, not too large.
Bottom line: size to a tenth of the scan distance, and always test the actual print before committing. Ready to make one? Open the editor or browse more QR guides.