Best QR Code Size for Printing — DPI, Resolution & Placement Guide
Last updated: · 6 min read
If you’re printing a QR code on a flyer, business card, or banner, size and clarity matter. A poorly sized or low-resolution QR code can be difficult to scan — especially from a distance or under bright light. This guide covers everything you need to know to print QR codes perfectly every time.
📏 Why QR Code Size Matters
QR codes work by letting your camera read tiny black and white modules (the small squares). If those modules are too small, cameras can’t recognize them properly. Printing a QR code too small — or at low DPI — often leads to scanning failures.
📐 Recommended QR Code Sizes
| Use Case | Recommended Size |
|---|---|
| Business Card | At least 1 × 1 inch (2.5 × 2.5 cm) |
| Flyer / Brochure | 1.5 × 1.5 inch (4 × 4 cm) |
| Poster / Banner | 3 × 3 inch (7.5 × 7.5 cm) or larger |
| Outdoor Billboard | Minimum 8 × 8 inch (20 × 20 cm) |
Rule of thumb: The farther away your viewer stands, the larger the QR should be. For example, a QR meant to be scanned from 2 meters away should be at least 5 cm wide.
🖨️ DPI (Resolution) for Printing QR Codes
DPI stands for dots per inch — the resolution of your printed design. A higher DPI gives sharper, cleaner QR codes that are easier to scan.
- Minimum: 300 DPI (for small prints like cards)
- Recommended: 600 DPI (for posters or brochures)
- Best: 1200 DPI for professional print work
When exporting from QRBuilder.tech, you can download as SVG for infinite scaling — perfect for any DPI.
🎨 Design & Placement Tips
- Keep good contrast — dark QR code on a light background.
- Leave enough white space (“quiet zone”) around the QR code.
- Don’t stretch or distort the QR when resizing.
- Always test your printed version before mass production.
- For posters, place the QR between 3–5 feet high for easy reach.
📁 PNG vs SVG — Which Should You Print?
- PNG: Great for quick prints, email signatures, and digital documents.
- SVG: The best choice for designers — infinitely scalable without losing quality.
When you use QRBuilder.tech, you can download your QR in both formats — ready for print or digital use.
🚀 Test Before You Print
Before finalizing your design, print a small test version and scan it under different lighting conditions. If your phone camera takes more than 2 seconds to recognize it, increase the size or contrast.
📚 Related Articles
- How to Create a QR Code (Free & Fast)
- QR Codes for Business Cards — Add a vCard QR
- Wi-Fi QR Codes — Connect Without Typing Passwords
Ready to make a print-ready QR code?
👉 Create yours with QRBuilder.tech