Does adding a logo to a QR code affect scannability?

Only if the logo covers more than about 30% of the QR code area. QR codes have built-in error correction. At "Q" (25%) or "H" (30%) error correction level, a logo is fine. Always test scan after adding a logo.

Print Guide

QR Code Print Size Guide

Q: What is the minimum size for a QR code to be scannable?

The minimum recommended size is 2 × 2 cm (0.8 × 0.8 in) for QR codes scanned at very close range (under 10 cm), such as on business cards. For most print materials scanned at arm's length (30–40 cm), use at least 3 × 3 cm.

Q: What DPI should I use for printing a QR code?

For print, export your QR code at a minimum of 300 DPI. For large-format printing (posters, banners), use the vector SVG format instead of PNG — SVG scales to any size without quality loss.

Q: How big should a QR code be on a poster?

For an A2 poster (420 × 594 mm) viewed at 1–2 metres, use a QR code that is at least 8 × 8 cm. Larger is always better — a 10 × 10 cm code scans reliably from 2–3 metres away.

Q: How big should a QR code be on a business card?

On a standard business card (85 × 55 mm), a QR code of 2 × 2 cm to 2.5 × 2.5 cm works reliably when held at normal reading distance (15–20 cm).

The right QR code size depends on one thing: how far away will the scanner be? This guide gives you exact minimum dimensions for every print surface.

Quick Rule of Thumb

QR code width = scan distance ÷ 10. Example: scanning from 30 cm → minimum 3 cm wide.

Recommended Size by Print Surface and Scan Distance

Surface	Scan Distance	Minimum Size	Recommended	Format
Business Card	15–20 cm	2 × 2 cm	2.5 × 2.5 cm	PNG or SVG
Flyer / Leaflet	20–30 cm	3 × 3 cm	4 × 4 cm	PNG or SVG
A4 Poster	30–60 cm	5 × 5 cm	7 × 7 cm	SVG recommended
A2 / A1 Poster	1–2 m	8 × 8 cm	10 × 10 cm	SVG required
Window / Banner	1–3 m	10 × 10 cm	15 × 15 cm	SVG required
Billboard	3–10 m	20 × 20 cm	30 × 30 cm	SVG required

Sizes are for QR codes with standard black-on-white contrast at error correction level Q or H. Reduce minimum sizes by 20% only in ideal lighting conditions.

DPI and Format Requirements

PNG

PNG for Small Print

Use PNG at 300 DPI minimum for business cards, flyers, and small posters. Export at 10× your target print size in pixels (e.g. 3 cm at 300 DPI = 354 px).

SVG

SVG for Everything Larger

SVG is a vector format — it scales to any size without quality loss. Use SVG for all A2+ posters, banners, and billboards. QR Master exports SVG directly from the generator.

ECL

Error Correction Level

Use Level Q (25% recovery) or Level H (30% recovery) for print — especially if you add a logo. Higher error correction means more modules and a slightly larger minimum size.

Print QR Code Checklist

QR code is at least the minimum size for the intended scan distance
High contrast between QR modules and background (black on white preferred)
Quiet zone (white border) of at least 4 module widths on all sides
Exported as SVG for large format, PNG at 300+ DPI for small format
Scanned from target distance before sending to print
Error correction set to Q or H if a logo is embedded
Dynamic QR code used if the destination URL might change

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Custom QR Code Generator

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum size for a QR code to be scannable?

The absolute minimum is 2 × 2 cm for scanning at very close range (business cards, held 15 cm away). For most materials, use at least 3 × 3 cm. The general rule: minimum width = scan distance ÷ 10.

What DPI should I use for printing a QR code?

Use 300 DPI minimum for all print. For large format (posters, banners, billboards), always use SVG — it is vector-based and scales to any size without quality loss.

How big should a QR code be on a poster?

For an A2 poster viewed at 1–2 metres, use at least 8 × 8 cm. For A1 posters viewed from further away, 10 × 10 cm is recommended.

How big should a QR code be on a business card?

On a standard business card (85 × 55 mm), a 2 × 2 cm to 2.5 × 2.5 cm QR code works reliably when scanned at normal reading distance.

Does adding a logo affect QR code scannability?

Only if the logo covers more than ~30% of the QR area. Use error correction level Q or H when adding logos. Always test scan before printing at scale.