Free tool

QR code size calculator

How big should your QR code be? Enter the scan distance and what the code holds, and get the minimum size that still reads.

Enter how far away people scan from to get the minimum print size.

QR codes have a rule of thumb: the printed code should be at least a tenth of the distance people scan from. Stand 1 metre back and the code wants to be roughly 10 cm across. This calculator does that math for you, with a little headroom, so a code on a poster, a yard sign, or a table tent actually scans on the first try.

That rule is for a code that holds a short link. A code that holds more has more and smaller squares at the same width: a full contact card has about 85 squares on a side, against 29 for a short link, so it needs about two and a half times the width at the same distance. Choose what is in your code and the calculator scales the answer. It also never goes below the smallest size a phone held close can read.

Size is only half of it. Keep strong contrast and don't crop the quiet zone around the code. Whatever you print, an editable TangoQR code means you can fix the destination later without touching the print.

How it works

  1. 1

    Enter the scan distance

    How far away will people typically be when they scan it?

  2. 2

    Choose what is in the code

    A short link, WiFi details, a long link, or a contact card. The more a code holds, the larger it must be printed.

  3. 3

    Read the minimum size

    Get the smallest print size that stays reliably scannable, with headroom.

  4. 4

    Print with margin

    Use that size or larger, keep contrast high, and leave the quiet zone clear.

Need a code you can change later?

A TangoQR code points at a redirect you control, so you can repoint it after it's printed, no reprint. Free to start. No account needed, only an email address, and we email you a copy of the code.

Make an editable code, free

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