QR Code Size Calculator
Find the right QR code size for your use case. Enter the viewing distance and get exact dimensions for print, digital, and outdoor use.
Calculate minimum and recommended QR dimensions
Pick a real-world use case, adjust the viewing distance, and see the physical size and pixel dimensions you should design for.
Units
Preset mode starts with a typical scanning distance. You can still fine-tune it.
Show URL impact
Longer URLs create denser QR codes and usually need more physical space.
Results
Minimum Size
3 cm
3 cm / 1.2 inches
Recommended Size
4.3 cm
4.3 cm / 1.7 inches
Current viewing distance
30 cm
Pixel Dimensions
| DPI | Min | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| 72 | 85px | 121px |
| 150 | 177px | 253px |
| 300 | 354px | 506px |
| 600 | 709px | 1012px |
URL Length Impact
Current URL length stays within a safe density range for the minimum size.
Visual Scale Reference
Choose a QR size people can actually scan
QR code sizing is mostly a viewing-distance problem. The farther away someone stands, the larger each module needs to be so a phone camera can resolve the pattern quickly. That is why the standard print rule of thumb starts with distance and works backward to the physical size of the code.
This calculator uses the common production formula used by print designers and sign shops: minimum size equals viewing distance divided by ten, while recommended size equals viewing distance divided by seven. The minimum works when contrast, lighting, and print quality are solid. The recommended size adds practical margin for faster scans in the real world.
Pixel output matters when you move from physical size to design files. A business card QR might be fine at standard print resolution, while a banner or billboard needs enough pixels to stay crisp at scale. If your QR encodes a long URL, the symbol gets denser, so increasing the physical size is often smarter than forcing a compact code into a tight layout.
QR Code Size Calculator FAQ
What is the minimum size for a QR code?
A common baseline is viewing distance divided by ten. If someone scans from 50 cm away, the minimum size is about 5 cm. That is a floor, not an ideal target.
How far away can a QR code be scanned?
Scanning distance depends on physical size, contrast, glare, and camera quality. As a rule, a larger QR supports longer scanning distance because each module stays easier to resolve.
Does QR code size affect scanning speed?
Yes. Larger codes generally scan faster because phones can lock onto the module pattern more easily. The recommended size is useful when you want smoother scans, not just theoretical minimum viability.
How do I calculate QR code size for a billboard?
Estimate how far away people will scan from, convert that distance to centimeters, then divide by ten for the minimum and by seven for the recommended size. A 600 cm viewing distance points to roughly 60 cm minimum and 85 cm recommended.
What resolution should I use for printing a QR code?
For most print jobs, 300 DPI is the standard target. Use 150 DPI for low-resolution large-format work and 600 DPI when you need extra sharp output or very precise edges.
Does URL length affect QR code size?
Yes. Longer URLs push the QR into a higher version with more modules, which makes the pattern denser. Dense codes usually need more physical size to remain easy to scan.
What's the recommended QR code size for a business card?
For a business card scanned from about 30 cm away, 3 cm is the minimum and roughly 4.5 cm is the safer recommended size. That recommendation leaves more room for quick scanning in varied lighting.
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