QR Code Size for Print & DPI Requirements
Choosing the right size and resolution for printed QR codes is crucial for scannability. This guide covers optimal sizing for different use cases, DPI requirements, and how to calculate dimensions based on scanning distance.
📏 The Distance-Size Rule
Formula
Size = Distance ÷ 10
QR code size should be at least 1/10th of the scanning distance
Examples:
Scanning distance: 4 inches (10 cm)
Minimum QR size: 0.4 x 0.4 inches (1 x 1 cm)
Use case: Business cards, product labels
Scanning distance: 1 foot (30 cm)
Minimum QR size: 1.2 x 1.2 inches (3 x 3 cm)
Use case: Flyers, brochures, menus
Scanning distance: 3 feet (90 cm)
Minimum QR size: 3.6 x 3.6 inches (9 x 9 cm)
Use case: Store windows, table tents
Scanning distance: 10 feet (3 meters)
Minimum QR size: 12 x 12 inches (30 x 30 cm)
Use case: Posters, banners
Scanning distance: 30 feet (9 meters)
Minimum QR size: 3 x 3 feet (90 x 90 cm)
Use case: Billboards, building signage
⚠️ Safety Margin: Always add 20-30% to the calculated size for reliable scanning in various conditions. Better too large than too small!
📊 QR Code Size Chart by Use Case
| Use Case | Typical Distance | Minimum Size | Recommended Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Cards | 4-6 inches | 0.4" × 0.4" | 0.8" × 0.8" |
| Product Labels | 4-8 inches | 0.5" × 0.5" | 1" × 1" |
| Flyers/Brochures | 12-18 inches | 1.2" × 1.2" | 1.5" × 1.5" |
| Restaurant Menus | 12-18 inches | 1.2" × 1.2" | 2" × 2" |
| Posters (A3/A2) | 3-6 feet | 4" × 4" | 6" × 6" |
| Banners/Signs | 6-10 feet | 8" × 8" | 12" × 12" |
| Billboards | 30+ feet | 3' × 3' | 4' × 4' |
| T-Shirts/Apparel | 2-3 feet | 2.5" × 2.5" | 3" × 3" |
🖨️ DPI (Dots Per Inch) Requirements
DPI Guidelines
- ✓300+ DPI: Professional printing (business cards, brochures, labels) - Crisp, high-quality output
- ✓150-300 DPI: Large format (posters, banners) - Good quality for mid-range viewing distances
- ⚠72-150 DPI: Very large format (billboards) - Acceptable only for far viewing distances
- ✗Below 72 DPI: Not recommended - Risk of scanning failures
Calculating Resolution for Your QR Code
Formula: Pixels = (Size in inches) × DPI
Example 1: 2" × 2" QR code at 300 DPI
→ 2 × 300 = 600 × 600 pixels
Example 2: 4" × 4" QR code at 150 DPI
→ 4 × 150 = 600 × 600 pixels
Export Settings by Use Case
Business Cards
Size: 0.8" × 0.8"
DPI: 300
Pixels: 240 × 240
Flyers
Size: 2" × 2"
DPI: 300
Pixels: 600 × 600
Posters
Size: 6" × 6"
DPI: 150-300
Pixels: 900-1800 × 900-1800
Banners/Billboards
Size: 12"+ × 12"+
DPI: 72-150
Pixels: 900-1800 × 900-1800
✅ Best Practices for Print QR Codes
✓ Do This
- →Print test samples before mass production
- →Use vector formats (SVG, EPS) when possible for scaling
- →Include white space (quiet zone) around QR code - minimum 4 modules
- →Maintain high contrast (dark on light background)
- →Test scannability from the intended distance
- →Use error correction level H (30%) if adding logos
- →Print slightly larger than minimum for safety
✗ Avoid This
- →Printing at minimum size without testing
- →Using low-resolution images (below 72 DPI)
- →Printing on textured or reflective materials
- →Low contrast color combinations
- →Placing QR codes where they'll bend or wrinkle
- →Cropping into the quiet zone
- →Stretching or distorting the QR code
📝 Quick Reference Card
Minimum Sizes
- Business Cards: 0.8" × 0.8"
- Flyers: 1.5" × 1.5"
- Posters: 6" × 6"
- Billboards: 4' × 4'
DPI Standards
- Professional Print: 300 DPI
- Large Format: 150 DPI
- Billboards: 72-100 DPI
- Digital/Screen: 72 DPI