QR Code Size Calculator
How big should you print your QR code? Enter how far away people will scan it from.
Print your QR code at least
4 cm
40 mm · 1.6 in wide, not counting the white border
Common sizes
| Where it goes | Scanned from | Minimum width |
|---|---|---|
| Table tent or menu | 40 cm | 4 cm |
| Counter stand | 80 cm | 8 cm |
| Front window | 2 m | 20 cm |
| A-frame sign | 3 m | 30 cm |
| Poster across a room | 5 m | 50 cm |
Based on the common rule of thumb that a QR code should be about one tenth of the scanning distance wide, with a minimum of 2 cm. Go bigger in dim light or if guests scan at an angle.
QR code size FAQ
How big should a QR code be?
A common rule of thumb is that the QR code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance wide. Scanned from 40 cm away, that is 4 cm. Never print a QR code smaller than about 2 cm.
What size QR code should I put on restaurant tables?
Guests usually scan from 30 to 50 cm away, so 3 to 5 cm wide is enough for table tents, stickers and printed menus. 4 cm is a safe default.
Does the white border around a QR code matter?
Yes. Leave a clear margin (the quiet zone) around the code, about four of its small squares wide, and do not print text or graphics in it. Without it, some phones struggle to scan.
Why does a long link make the QR code harder to scan?
A longer link needs more, smaller squares in the same space. MenuMagicQR uses short menu links, so its codes stay easy to scan even when printed small.