June 1, 2026
QR Code Size vs Scanning Distance: Complete Reference Table
Choosing the right QR code size for a given scanning distance is important for reliable performance. This reference table provides recommended sizes for every scanning distance.
The Fundamental Relationship
The basic relationship is: QR code size = scanning distance / 10
But this is a minimum. For reliable scanning, especially in less-than-ideal conditions, we recommend a more conservative ratio.
Recommended Sizes by Distance
| Scanning Distance | Minimum Size | Recommended Size | Maximum Size (practical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 cm (4 in) | 1 cm | 1.5 cm | 3 cm |
| 20 cm (8 in) | 2 cm | 3 cm | 5 cm |
| 30 cm (12 in) | 3 cm | 4 cm | 8 cm |
| 50 cm (20 in) | 5 cm | 6 cm | 12 cm |
| 1 m (3 ft) | 10 cm | 12 cm | 25 cm |
| 2 m (6 ft) | 20 cm | 25 cm | 50 cm |
| 3 m (10 ft) | 30 cm | 35 cm | 75 cm |
| 5 m (16 ft) | 50 cm | 60 cm | 120 cm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 100 cm | 120 cm | 250 cm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 200 cm | 250 cm | 500 cm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 500 cm | 600 cm | - |
Size by Common Scanning Scenarios
Close Range (10-30 cm)
Scenarios: Business cards, product packaging, brochures, menus
| Distance | Min QR | Rec QR | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 cm | 1 cm | 1.5 cm | Tiny label on product |
| 15 cm | 1.5 cm | 2 cm | Business card |
| 20 cm | 2 cm | 3 cm | Brochure, menu |
| 30 cm | 3 cm | 4 cm | Flyer in hand |
Medium Range (50 cm - 2 m)
Scenarios: Posters, window displays, retail signage
| Distance | Min QR | Rec QR | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 cm | 5 cm | 6 cm | Table tent, shelf talker |
| 1 m | 10 cm | 12 cm | Window decal, poster |
| 1.5 m | 15 cm | 18 cm | Wall poster, menu board |
| 2 m | 20 cm | 25 cm | Indoor sign, retail display |
Long Range (3-10 m)
Scenarios: Outdoor signs, building signage, event banners
| Distance | Min QR | Rec QR | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 m | 30 cm | 35 cm | Awning sign |
| 5 m | 50 cm | 60 cm | Building entrance |
| 7 m | 70 cm | 85 cm | Parking lot sign |
| 10 m | 100 cm | 120 cm | Billboard |
Extreme Range (20-50 m)
Scenarios: Large billboards, stadium signage, building murals
| Distance | Min QR | Rec QR | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 m | 200 cm | 250 cm | Stadium wall |
| 30 m | 300 cm | 360 cm | Large billboard |
| 50 m | 500 cm | 600 cm | Building mural |
Adjustment Factors
Lighting Conditions
| Condition | Size Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Bright daylight | 1.0× (standard) |
| Overcast | 1.2× |
| Dim indoor | 1.5× |
| Night (with lighting) | 1.3× |
| Direct glare | 1.5× |
Surface and Material
| Surface | Size Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Flat, matte (paper) | 1.0× (standard) |
| Flat, glossy | 1.2× |
| Curved (bottle) | 1.5× |
| Fabric (clothing) | 1.5× |
| Metal (reflective) | 1.5× |
| Glass (transparent) | 2.0× |
Error Correction Level
| Level | Size Multiplier vs Level M |
|---|---|
| L | 0.9× (can be slightly smaller) |
| M | 1.0× (baseline) |
| Q | 1.1× (slightly larger) |
| H | 1.2× (largest) |
Practical Examples
Example 1: Restaurant Menu
- Scanning distance: 30 cm
- Base size: 30/10 = 3 cm
- Adjustment: Dim lighting (1.5×)
- Recommended: 4.5 cm
Example 2: Store Window Decal
- Scanning distance: 1 m
- Base size: 100/10 = 10 cm
- Adjustment: Glass surface (2.0×)
- Recommended: 20 cm
Example 3: Billboard
- Scanning distance: 15 m
- Base size: 1500/10 = 150 cm
- Adjustment: Bright daylight (1.0×)
- Recommended: 150 cm
Quick Rule of Thumb
For most situations: QR code size = scanning distance / 5
This 5:1 ratio provides reliable scanning in almost all conditions. The 10:1 ratio is the absolute minimum.
Creating Property Sized QR Codes
Use a free QR code generator that supports SVG output:
- Determine scanning distance
- Apply the 10:1 ratio (minimum) or 5:1 ratio (recommended)
- Generate QR code and download as SVG
- Set exact dimensions in your design software
Conclusion
Match QR code size to scanning distance. Use the 10:1 ratio as a minimum and 5:1 for reliable scanning in varied conditions. Always test under real-world conditions before finalizing.
Create QR codes sized for your specific scanning distance — generate SVG QR codes with the right dimensions for every use case.