A printed QR code needs about 2 cm (0.8 in) at the very least, and that is only for something held close, like a business card. Past that, the rule is simple: divide the scanning distance by 10. Size is only part of it, since margin, contrast, surface and testing all matter too. This guide also covers how far the 400 x 400 PNG from the tool above can be enlarged.
Make my QR code ↑About 2 cm (0.8 in) is the bare minimum for something held close, like a business card. Go smaller and phones struggle to tell the squares apart.
Otherwise use the scanning distance divided by 10. At arm's length (about 60 cm or 2 ft) that means about 6 cm (2.4 in). Across a table (about 1 m or 3 ft), aim for about 10 cm (4 in). From 3 m (10 ft), you need about 30 cm (1 ft).
Link length matters too. A longer link packs more, smaller squares into the same space, so a shorter link gives a simpler code that scans more easily at the same size.
Printing problems often start with the space around the code and the material under it.
The tool gives you a black-on-white square PNG, 400 x 400 pixels. A PNG is made of pixels rather than lines, so print resolution decides how sharp it looks. At 300 dpi, 400 pixels covers about 1.3 in. At 150 dpi, it covers about 2.7 in. So the file stays clean up to roughly 2 to 3 inches printed, which suits business cards, labels and small table cards, and it gets soft if you enlarge it much beyond that.
For bigger signs, print a test and scan it at final size before you commit to a batch. This tool does not offer vector files such as SVG or PDF. If a print shop insists on vector artwork, this PNG will not meet that requirement. Whatever the size, test a sample from every new batch before you hand them out.
About 2 cm (0.8 in) is the bare minimum, and only for something held close, like a business card. Link length and print quality matter too, and a long link in a tiny code is the risky combination. Print a test and scan it before committing to a batch.
Divide the scanning distance by 10. If people will stand 2 m (about 6.5 ft) away, aim for a code roughly 20 cm (8 in) wide. A 400 x 400 PNG enlarged that far will look soft, so print a test and scan it from the real distance, since lighting and angle change things.
For small prints, yes. It is about 1.3 in at 300 dpi and 2.7 in at 150 dpi, so it stays clean up to roughly 2 to 3 inches. Beyond that the edges soften, so print a test at final size and scan it. This tool does not export vector files.
It is the blank margin around the code that helps scanners find its edges. A common guideline is about four of the code's small squares wide. Keep text, images and borders out of that space.
Dark squares on a light background are a reliable choice. Busy or low-contrast backgrounds cause failed scans, and some scanners cannot read light-on-dark codes. The codes from this tool are black on white, so place them on a plain light area.
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