QR code print size calculator
Printed too small, a QR code fails exactly where it matters: on a poster across the room, a sign by the road or a label on a crowded shelf. Enter how far away people will scan from and what the code contains, and the calculator works out the smallest size that will still scan reliably.
It goes beyond the simple distance ÷ 10 rule by accounting for how dense your code is: a long link or a vCard needs more modules than a short URL, so each module, and the whole code, must be printed bigger.
The furthest distance someone will scan from: about 20–30 cm for a table card, 1–2 m for a poster, more for signs.
16 bytes in byte mode.
Minimum printed size
At level Q, version 2 holds up to 20 bytes in byte mode.
For comparison, the plain distance ÷ 10 rule gives 100 mm (3.94 in). Print above the minimum for curved surfaces, low contrast, glossy material or poor lighting.
How the size is calculated
- The content decides the QR version. The calculator picks the smallest version (1 to 40) that holds your text at the chosen error-correction level, using the same capacity tables as the QRdx encoder. Version n is 17 + 4n modules wide.
- The distance decides the module size. The 10:1 rule of thumb is treated as describing a simple 25 × 25 code, so each module must be at least distance ÷ (250), and never less than 0.4 mm.
- Module size × modules per side gives the code size. Adding 4 blank modules on each side gives the space the code needs on the page.
Tips for codes that scan
- Keep the content short. A shorter link means a lower version, so the same printed size gives bigger modules.
- Use dark modules on a light background with strong contrast; inverted or pastel codes fail on some scanners.
- Test the printed code with several phones at the real distance and lighting before a large print run.
- Need a code first? Use the QR code generators or the full editor, then export as SVG for print.
QR code size FAQ
What is the minimum size for a QR code?
It depends on how far away people scan from and how dense the code is. For a short link scanned from about 25 cm, around 2.5 cm (1 inch) is enough. Whatever the distance, keep each module at least 0.4 mm wide so printers and cameras can resolve it.
What is the 10:1 rule for QR codes?
A common rule of thumb is that a QR code can be scanned from about ten times its width, so a 10 cm code works from about 1 m. It assumes a fairly simple code; codes with more data need to be printed larger, which is what this calculator adjusts for.
Does a logo or higher error correction change the size?
Higher error correction adds redundancy, so the same content needs a higher version with more modules, and therefore a larger print. A logo doesn't change the module count, but it hides modules, so use level Q or H when adding one.
Does the quiet zone count towards the size?
The code size shown is edge to edge. Scanners also need a blank margin of 4 modules on every side, which the second figure includes. QRdx downloads have no margin unless you turn on the quiet zone, so leave that space around the code in your layout.
What resolution should I export for print?
Use SVG when you can: it is vector and stays sharp at any size. For PNG, export at least the pixel width shown for 300 DPI, which is the usual minimum for print.