QR Code Size: What is the Correct QR Code Dimension?

By:  Vall
Update:  May 23, 2023
QR Code Size: What is the Correct QR Code Dimension?

The right QR code size will differ depending on the advertising environment where people will be scanning your QR code from. 

One of the mistakes people make when they generate their QR code is that- most of them missed out on the right sizing. 

To make sure the QR code is scannable, you need to determine three things:

1.The scanning distance of your QR code 

2. The placement of your QR code 

3. 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.  

Related: What is the Difference Between Static QR Code and a Dynamic QR Code?

The scanning distance of your QR code

The dimension of your QR Code is related to the scanning distance.

You need to consider all aspects of your QR code advertising setting. As it will vary from each printed marketing campaign material. 

Why is it important to consider the right dimension of your QR code?

QR code dimension

The right QR code size is an important consideration and it will vary depending on your advertising environment.

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 that people will see it right away and can scan quickly.

Otherwise, you will only miss out on any potential scans. For this, sizing plays an important factor.

What should you consider when printing your QR code?

1. The distance between your QR code and the user's scanning device 

The QR code's size 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.

The smaller the size of the dots, the harder it is to decode by the smartphone device.

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. 

Related: 10 reasons why your QR code is not working

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 pastel and yellow. 

Use dynamic QR code for a better scan 

Dynamic QR code

Have you ever noticed that there are some QR codes that are more pixelated than the others?

That explains the two types of QR codes: Static QR codes and Dynamic QR codes.

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 allows for a better scan. 

Consider using a dynamic QR code generator and put your content online and link your code to it, which is much more effective and efficient. It isn't just the size that matters. 

The codes itself need to be readable as well for more points of view that is why it is important to use dynamic QR codes. 

Related: Dynamic QR Codes Are Better for Your Marketing - Here is Why

What is the readable QR code size from a short distance? 

QR code size

Size does matter, after all. Make sure the QR code is 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 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: 

QR code generator

What is the minimum size for a QR code on a business card? 

QR code minimum size

Since QR codes on business cards are 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?

QR code right dimension

For example, if you decide to place your QR codes in billboard ads, then the size should be bigger as it will be scanned from a distance.

The farther you will 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 scan.

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

CTA on QR codeImage Source

An appropriate call-to-action in your QR code advertising campaign will garner more conversion rate.

Many brands and companies tend to forget to add 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” that 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 

Editable dynamic QR code

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 your QR code content to another one. 

You can also track your QR code scans to understand how your target audience behave around your campaign.

3. Customize your QR code

QR code with logo

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. 

Related: QR code types: 15 primary QR solutions and their functions

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

QR code high quality

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 images in different formats such as SVG, JPG, PNG, EPS, and so on.

In addition to that, it is essential to always test your QR code and scan it from different distances to see if it works. 

6. Do not invert QR codes color 

Inverted QR code

One rule of thumb in creating your QR codes is- that 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 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's free QR code generator today. 

QR code generator with logo

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 is the minimum size of QR code?

The minimum size of QR code should be at least 1.2 inches (3-4 cm) in dimension to make it scannable in short distances.

For QR codes on business card, the estimated size for it should at least be 0.8 x 0.8 inches.

Moreover, the minimum size of a QR code on a billboard 20 meters (65 feet) from where a passer-by would be scanning it would be about 2 meters (6.5 feet) across. 

What should be the correct QR code minimum size on the screen? 

The optimal size for a QR code on screen considering that the standard screen resolution is around 1366x768 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. 

Brands using QR codes

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