QR Code Sizes and Resolution: Print vs Digital
Getting the size right is the difference between a QR code that scans instantly and one that frustrates every customer who tries. Here's the complete guide.
A QR code that's too small won't scan. One that's too low-res will look blurry in print. And one that's stretched or distorted simply won't work at all. Whether you're printing business cards, designing a billboard, or embedding a code in an email, getting the size and resolution right matters. Here's everything you need to know.
The 10:1 scanning rule
The maximum comfortable scanning distance is roughly 10 times the width of the QR code. A 1-inch QR code can be scanned from about 10 inches away. A 2-inch code from 20 inches. Use this ratio to pick the right size for your viewing distance.
Print size guide
For print, resolution is critical. Always export at 300 DPI (dots per inch) or higher. A QR code that looks fine on screen can become an unscannable blurry mess when printed.
| Use case | Min size | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
Business cards Minimum scannable size. Use error correction H if adding a logo. | 0.8" × 0.8" (20mm) | 300 DPI |
Flyers & brochures Comfortable scanning distance. Standard error correction M is fine. | 1.2" × 1.2" (30mm) | 300 DPI |
Posters Larger because people scan from further away. Scale up proportionally. | 2.0" × 2.0" (50mm) | 300 DPI |
Billboards Viewed from a distance. Lower DPI acceptable due to viewing range. | 12" × 12" (300mm) | 150 DPI |
Product packaging Keep away from folds and seams. Include quiet zone margin. | 0.8" × 0.8" (20mm) | 300 DPI |
Table tents & menus Scanned at an angle across a table. Larger is better. | 1.5" × 1.5" (38mm) | 300 DPI |
Digital size guide
For screens, resolution is measured in pixels. The good news: screens are more forgiving than print. The better news: if you use SVG format, resolution is never an issue — it scales infinitely.
| Use case | Min size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Website / landing page | 200 × 200 px | Display at 200px+, link the image to the destination as fallback. |
| Email signatures | 150 × 150 px | Keep file size under 50KB. PNG format works best. |
| Social media posts | 500 × 500 px | Export at 2x for retina displays. Test on mobile. |
| Digital displays / screens | 300 × 300 px | Match display resolution. SVG scales infinitely with no quality loss. |
| PDF documents | 300 × 300 px | Use vector SVG when possible for crisp rendering at any zoom. |
PNG vs SVG: which format?
PNG (raster)
Fixed pixel dimensions. Best for email, social media, and web. Must be generated at the size you need — upscaling causes blur. QRForge Pro exports high-res PNG (1000px+).
SVG (vector)
Scales to any size without quality loss. Perfect for print, large format, and when you're not sure what size you'll need. Always choose SVG when available.
7 rules for perfect QR codes
- Always maintain a minimum 4-module quiet zone (blank margin) around the QR code
- For print, export at 300 DPI minimum — never upscale a low-res QR code
- Use SVG format when available — it scales to any size without pixelation
- Test your QR code by scanning it from the expected viewing distance before publishing
- The more data (longer URLs), the denser the QR code — which needs to be larger to scan reliably
- For dark or colored backgrounds, include a white or light-colored quiet zone border
- Never stretch or distort the aspect ratio — QR codes must remain perfectly square
Generate the right size QR code
QRForge exports high-res PNG and vector SVG. Pick the format and size that matches your use case — no guessing required.
Create your QR code