How Big Should a QR Code Be? Size and Scanning Distance

A QR code that is too small will not scan. One that is very large is a waste of space. A simple rule helps you choose.

The rule of thumb

A common guide is the 10:1 rule: the scanning distance should be no more than about ten times the width of the code.

Code width	Comfortable distance (approximate)
2 cm	about 20 cm
5 cm	about 50 cm
10 cm	about 1 metre
30 cm	about 3 metres

This is a rough guide, and results depend on the phone, the light and the density of the code.

Common uses

• Business cards and small labels: about 2 cm at least, ideally a little bigger
• Flyers and menus: roughly 3 to 4 cm
• Posters: larger, based on how far people will stand
• Shop windows and signs: large, to be scanned from a distance

Density matters

A code with more content has smaller modules. If you print it at the same size, it is harder to scan.

• Shorten your content if you can.
• Print larger for dense codes.

Phone differences

Newer phones focus quickly and read small codes well. Older phones may need more size and better light.

Placement tips

• Put the code at eye level where possible.
• Avoid screens far away, such as on a distant TV.
• Give people room to step back or forward.

Tips

1. Use the 10:1 rule as a start.
2. Test on an older phone.
3. Simplify the content for small prints.

QR Code Scanner is lightweight and fast, so it copes well on older phones.

Scan and create QR codes and barcodes with QR Code Scanner →