QR Code Size Calculator
How big should a QR code be? Enter the distance your users will scan from — we'll tell you the minimum printed size, pixel dimensions at 300/600 DPI, and how error correction changes the answer.
Inputs
Offset / laser prints should be 300 DPI minimum. Packaging prefers 600 DPI for reliable scanning at shelf distance.
Higher error correction = more resilience to dirt/damage but slightly larger printed size required.
Minimum size
Recommended (+25% safety)
262.5 mm
10.33 inches
Bare minimum
210.0 mm · 8.27 in
Image resolution
How the math works
The industry rule of thumb is 10:1 — the scan distance should be no more than 10× the side length of the QR code. A 30 mm QR printed on a business card can be scanned comfortably from 300 mm (a phone held at arm's length). A 2 metre billboard QR should be scannable from 20 metres.
This calculator adjusts the baseline for error correction (higher EC adds modules) and adds a 25% safety margin to account for camera quality, lighting, tilt, and print imperfections. If your QR will live outdoors or on reflective surfaces, always use error correction H.