QR codes · 3 min read
QR code size guide for print
Scan failures usually come from codes that are too small, too low contrast, or printed with busy artwork touching the quiet zone. Here is a simple sizing baseline.
Rule of thumb: distance ≈ 10× width
If someone scans from roughly 30 cm away, aim for at least about 3 cm QR width. Bigger distances need bigger codes.
Starting sizes
- Business card: about 2–2.5 cm
- Flyer / counter card: about 3–4 cm
- Poster or shop window: 5 cm+ (often much larger)
Export pixels
For digital screens, medium export sizes are usually fine. For print, export larger (for example 1024 px or 2048 px in Kodotools) so the printer does not upscale a blurry PNG.
Quiet zone
Leave empty margin around the QR. Decorative borders that touch the modules slow detection — especially under poor lighting.