How small can a QR code be in print?

The actual minimum size for scanning ISO 18004-compliant QR codes is 10 mm, which is 1 cm or roughly 0.4”. But, as we said, many modern smartphones need at least double that to reliably scan. Stick with a 2-centimeter minimum and 10:1 distance-to-size ratio when printing or placing your QR code and you’ll be fine.

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Unless your QR code is extremely complex and you don’t have the ability to print high-resolution images.

If you don’t have the ability to print high-resolution, here’s a rule for QR code minimum size for large, complicated QR codes. For every 5 rows and columns of your QR code, you can increase its size by about .2” to ensure a 12” scan distance.

You will have to account for this increase in size when you place the QR code, though. But, in the absence of high-resolution printing, this rule ensures that more complex codes remain scannable.

Below is a QR code table to help you visualize optimal scanning distance based on QR code version. As you can see, the 12” scanning distance increases by .2” for every 5 modules.

How small can a micro QR code be?

Although there is a minimum size QR Code of 2 x 2 cm (0.8 x 0.8 in), QR Codes be made as large as you need as long as you use high-quality images so that the pixels don’t become too blurred.

When designing a QR Code to be used for a minimum distance scan, you have to also consider the placement. For example, if you use a QR Code on a print ad inside a train, you have to think about where it will be scanned from.

It can be the case that not only the people sitting next to it will want to scan the QR Code, but also people from other seats as well. Consequently, the QR Code needs to be made large enough to adjust for these variables. As a general rule of thumb, use larger sizes to avoid losing any potential QR Code scans.

What if QR code is too small?

The minimum size for a QR code may be 2 x 2cm, but that doesn’t mean the minimum size is the right size for you. The optimal size of a QR code will depend on many factors unique to your situation. You’ll want to consider where your code will be placed in order to determine how big your QR code needs to be. Here are some guidelines for sizing QR codes:

Scanning distance: The distance a QR code will be scanned from will affect how big it needs to be. The general rule is that you need to maintain a distance-to-size ratio of 10:1. A QR code printed on your instruction pamphlet will be scanned from only a few inches away, so you can likely print a much smaller QR code. On the other hand, a QR code on the wall will need to be much bigger because it will be scanned from farther away.

Amount of data: QR codes use black and white squares to represent data. The more data you need to encode, the more rows and columns you’ll need to fit onto your QR code, and the smaller those dots will be. If you need to encode a lot of data, you’ll need to print your QR code larger so that the code is scannable.

Resolution: The resolution of the QR code you print can affect how scannable it is. If you need to print a smaller QR code, you’ll want to make sure you print it at a high resolution. If you’re unable to print at a high resolution, increase the size by .2” per every five columns and rows.

How small can a QR code be on a sticker?

Once you are done designing the QR Code for your custom stickers and labels, make sure to always test it on various scanning apps before moving on to printing. The minimum size of a QR Code on small-sized merchandise such as stickers or labels should be 2 x 2 cm (about 0.8 x 0.8 in).

From there you can always make it a bit bigger, but we do not recommend going less than that as it would render your Code unscannable or even unnoticeable. You can also practice scanning with your ideal print size and go from there.

For more information on getting started with QR Codes, visit our Help Center page. And visit our How to Get Creative with QR Code Design page to learn more about the dos and don’ts of QR Code design for optimal results on your custom stickers or labels.

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