QR Code Size: What is the Correct QR Code Dimension?
Applying the right QR code size to your campaigns can significantly contribute to their success, as it guarantees recognition and engagement.
It's important to note that this can differ depending on the advertising medium and environment from which people will scan your QR code.
One of the mistakes people make when they generate their QR code is that most of them miss out on the right QR code sizing.
To make sure the QR code is scannable, you need to determine three things: the scanning distance of your QR code, the placement of your QR code, and the color of your QR code
But how big should your QR code be to make sure it is scannable even from a distance? Read this article to find out.
Table of Contents
- Maximum and minimum QR code size
- The scanning distance of your QR code
- Why is it important to consider the right dimension of your QR code?
- What should you consider when printing your QR code?
- Use a dynamic QR code for a better scan
- What is the readable QR code size from a short distance?
- What is the minimum QR code size on a business card?
- What is the right dimension of the QR code from a long distance?
- 6 tips to make your QR code marketing a success
- Always keep in mind the right QR code size for better scanning results
- Frequently asked questions
Maximum and minimum QR code size
How big does a QR code need to be?
The minimum size for QR codes should be at least 1.2 inches (3–4 cm) in dimension to make it scannable in short distances.
The estimated size of QR codes on business cards should be at least 0.8 x 0.8 inches.
Moreover, the minimum size for QR codes on billboards is 20 meters (65 feet) from where a passer-by would be scanning it would be about 2 meters (6.5 feet) across.
There is no strict “maximum” size for QR codes since they can be scaled to very large dimensions.
The scanning distance of your QR code
The QR code size or the QR code dimension is related to the scanning distance.
You need to consider all aspects when using QR codes for advertising campaigns. As it will vary from each printed marketing campaign material.
For example, if you're using a billboard for your QR campaign, you should not use the minimum size for QR codes.
Why is it important to consider the right dimension of your QR code?
Following the right QR code size requirements is an important consideration, and it will vary depending on your advertising environment and the medium you're using.
It will be different from packaging, billboards, posters, catalogs, magazines, etc., depending on where you will place them.
QR codes give a digital dimension to your product packaging, items, or artwork.
Thus, it is important to apply the minimum size for QR codes so people will see it right away and can scan it quickly.
Otherwise, you will only miss out on potential customers. QR code sizing is an important factor in this.
What should you consider when printing your QR code?
1. The distance between your QR code and the user’s scanning device
The size of the QR code in the user’s smartphone camera will be determined by this setting.
2. The size of the dots in the code
The more information you encode into your QR code, the smaller the dots get. This happens when you generate using a static QR code.
Be careful when using the minimum size of a QR code. The smaller the size of the dots, the harder it is for the smartphone device to decode.
If you have more data to input, switch to dynamic QR codes.
With a dynamic QR code, the codes don’t get pixelated, which makes them easier to scan.
3. Do not invert the color of your QR code
Don’t expect your QR codes to scan if you have an inverted QR code color.
A dark background with a light foreground color is not easily recognizable by smartphone devices.
That said, always make sure to have the foreground color of your QR code darker than the background.
Furthermore, it is almost to avoid light colors like pastels and yellow.
Use a dynamic QR code for a better scan
Have you ever noticed that there are some QR codes that are more pixelated than others?
That explains the two types of QR codes: static QR codes and dynamic QR codes.
These two QR code types work differently and offer different features.
Static QR codes usually encode the data in the graphics itself.
When you have more data stored in it, the dots get pixelated, making it hard to scan.
If you have more data or information to store, it is always better to choose dynamic QR codes to avoid overcrowding your codes and allow for a better scan.
Consider using a dynamic QR code generator and try putting your content online, and linking your code to it, which is much more effective and efficient. It isn’t just the size that matters.
The codes themselves need to be readable as well for more points of view that is why it is important to use dynamic QR codes.
What is the readable QR code size from a short distance?
Size does matter, after all. Minimum QR code size requirements include at least 1.2 inches (3–4 cm) in dimension for people to scan it from short distances. But this is not fixated, of course.
Nonetheless, this is a scannable size.
It is also very important that you place your QR codes in places with a high amount of people, so scanners will notice it right away.
Scanning QR codes from short distances also includes:
What is the minimum QR code size on a business card?
Since a vCard QR code is scannable from a short distance, the estimated size for it should at least be 0.8 x 0.8 inches.
It is important to remember that you cannot print your QR code too small. Otherwise, it can’t be scanned.
The difficulty of scanning it is determined by how small a QR code can be.
What is the right dimension of the QR code from a long distance?
For example, if you decide to place your QR codes in billboard ads, the size should be bigger, as they will be scanned from a distance.
The farther you place your QR code, the larger the size should be.
A QR code on a billboard 20 meters (65 feet) from where a passer-by would be scanning it would probably need to be about 2 meters (6.5 feet) across.
Calvin Klein made a great move in their billboard ad, making it twice larger than usual so they will not miss out on any scans.
The bigger your QR codes, the higher the chances you will get more scans.
Long-distance QR codes include:
6 tips to make your QR code marketing a success
1. Add a call-to-action in your QR code
An appropriate call to action in your QR code advertising campaign will gain a higher conversion rate.
Many brands and companies forget to include this essential element in their QR code campaign, resulting in fewer scans.
Just like Calvin Klein, they put a bold call for action above their QR code that says
“Get Uncensored” teases passers-by to scan their QR code.
This way, people will become more aware of your QR code marketing, and you will surely get more scans of your QR code.
2. Use Dynamic QR codes or editable QR codes
Dynamic QR codes will not pixelate your codes, unlike static QR codes, which makes them better to scan.
Moreover, you can also make changes behind your dynamic QR code during advertising campaigns.
You can do this anytime, even after you have deployed them.
This allows you to save more money in your pocket than having to print your QR codes all over again.
Just go to your QR code generator online platform and easily edit a QR code and its content to something else.
You can also track your QR code scans to understand how your target audience behaves around your campaign.
3. Customize your QR code
Unlike the monochromatic QR code colors, an advanced QR code generator like QR TIGER will allow you to customize your QR code.
You can have it tailor-made according to your brand theme, aim, and purpose.
Moreover, this sets you apart from the basic-looking QR code by adding an eye-catchy design to your QR codes.
4. Make your QR code the center of the story
Your QR codes should not compete with the designs surrounding your printed materials.
Thus, you should make it the highlight and the center of the story. Creativity adds attention to your advertising material, but make sure people won’t do away from scanning your QR codes.
5. Print your QR codes in high-quality images
The image quality of your QR code is an important factor that will lead you to get more scans.
A poor QR code quality will be harder to scan, so it is important to print your QR code of great quality.
QR TIGER allows you to download your QR code image in different formats such as SVG, JPG, PNG, EPS, and so on.
In addition to that, it is essential always to test your QR code and scan it from different distances to see if it works.
6. Do not invert the QR codes color
One rule of thumb in creating your QR codes is to always ensure that your pattern color is always darker than the background color.
QR code scanners and readers are set to scan the ones with a darker contrast to the background, so do not ever invert your QR code colors to make it easily scannable.
Always keep in mind the right QR code size for better scanning results
There are a lot of things to think about when you make a QR code, not just the QR code minimum size.
The right QR code generator to partner with can determine the success of your overall QR code marketing campaign.
QR TIGER offers you all of the important aspects mentioned above to create and design your QR code.
It is trusted by many brands and business companies worldwide.
This software provides you with multiple design options for your QR code and robust, powerful tracking analysis of your QR code scans.
Create your QR code using QR TIGER QR code generator today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest QR code size, or how small can a QR code be?
The size of your QR code is a vital consideration.
A QR code gives a digital dimension to your artwork to make sure people can see it on your artwork, size matters; after all, you want people to see and scan it.
Make sure the QR code is at least 1.2 inches (3–4 cm) in dimension for people to be able to scan it!
What should be the correct QR code minimum size on the screen?
The optimal size for a QR code on the screen, considering that the standard screen resolution is around 1366×768 px, the size should be at least 240 pixels x 240 pixels at 72 dpi.
Scanners can expect a scanning distance of 3–5 feet. But again, it will depend on how much information or data you need to convey and how far away the scanner will be from your QR code image.
Applying the right QR code size to your campaigns can significantly contribute to their success, as it guarantees recognition and engagement.
QR codes on digital business cards
QR codes in books or printed materials
QR codes as an entrance to events
QR codes in TV commercials
QR code in restaurant menus
QR codes on window store
QR codes on running vehicles
QR codes on posters
QR codes on billboards
