Recommended QR Size
2.4" (61 mm)
Version
2 (25×25)
Max Scan Distance
24"
Inputs
Result
A 19-character URL fits in QR Version 1 (21×21 modules). At 12 inches scan distance, the 10:1 rule requires at least 1.2 inches. This is a comfortable size for a business card and will scan reliably with any modern phone.
Inputs
Result
A restaurant menu URL is 27 characters, fitting in Version 2 (25×25 modules). At 4-foot scan distance (typical for a wall-mounted poster), the QR code needs to be 4.8 inches. Using Q-level error correction handles any smudges or partial obstruction.
Inputs
Result
A vCard with full contact details (~150 characters) requires Version 7 (45×45 modules) at M-level correction. The 10:1 rule for 18-inch scan distance gives 1.8 inches, which is the limiting factor. This is large for packaging but necessary for reliable scanning.
The minimum QR code size for a business card is about 0.6 inches (15 mm), but 0.8–1.0 inches (20–25 mm) is recommended for reliable scanning. At typical business card scanning distances of 6–12 inches, most phones can read codes as small as 0.5 inches, but quiet zone and print quality affect this.
| Card Element | QR Size | Scan Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny (corner) | 0.5" | 70% — may fail with damage |
| Standard | 0.8" | 95% — reliable for most phones |
| Prominent | 1.0" | 99% — scans instantly |
| Featured | 1.5" | 99.9% — scans from arm length |
The maximum scan distance follows the 10:1 rule: a QR code can be scanned from roughly 10 times its width. A 1-inch QR code scans from about 10 inches away. A 6-inch QR code on a poster scans from 5 feet. Billboards need QR codes of 3–5 feet for vehicle-distance scanning.
| QR Code Size | Max Scan Distance | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| 0.8" | 8 inches | Business card |
| 1.5" | 15 inches | Product packaging |
| 3" | 2.5 feet | Poster / menu |
| 12" | 10 feet | Banner / sign |
| 48" | 40 feet | Billboard |
Use Level M (15% recovery) for most applications. It provides a good balance between size and damage tolerance. Use Level H (30%) if you plan to add a logo over the QR code or if the code will be in harsh environments. Use Level L (7%) only when size is critical and the code will be protected.
| Level | Recovery | Size Increase | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| L | 7% | Smallest | Screen, protected print |
| M | 15% | +15% | General print, flyers |
| Q | 25% | +25% | Outdoor, rough handling |
| H | 30% | +40% | Logo overlay, harsh conditions |
For most print applications, 300 DPI is standard and ensures sharp modules. At 300 DPI, each module in a 1-inch QR code can be at least 10 pixels wide, which is more than enough. The key requirement is that each module prints as a distinct, crisp square. Minimum practical DPI equals the number of modules in your QR code.
Longer content requires a higher QR version with more modules, increasing the minimum physical size. A simple URL (25 characters) needs Version 2 (25×25 modules), while a vCard (150+ characters) may need Version 7+ (45×45 modules). Using a URL shortener can reduce your QR code size by 30–50%.
| Content | Characters | QR Version | Modules |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short URL | 20–25 | V1 | 21×21 |
| Long URL | 60–80 | V3–4 | 29×33 |
| WiFi config | ~40 | V2–3 | 25×29 |
| vCard | 150+ | V6–8 | 41×49 |
| Full paragraph | 300+ | V10+ | 57×+ |
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.