QR Code Size, Version and Data Capacity
Minimum QR code size for print
A practical planning heuristic is size β scan distance Γ· 10: at 50 cm, start by testing a 5 cm-wide code. This is not a QR specification requirement or a guarantee. Dense content, glare, curved surfaces, low contrast and older cameras may require a larger print.
| Where | Scan distance | Starting size to test |
|---|---|---|
| Business card, label | 20 cm | 2 Γ 2 cm |
| Table tent, menu | 40 cm | 4 Γ 4 cm |
| A5 flyer | 50 cm | 5 Γ 5 cm |
| A2 poster | 2 m | 20 Γ 20 cm |
| Shop window, banner | 5 m | 50 Γ 50 cm |
Always leave a blank quiet zone around the code. DENSO WAVE specifies a four-module margin on each side of a standard QR Code; include this clear border when planning the available space.
What is a QR code version?
The version is the grid size. Version 1 is 21 Γ 21 modules and every version adds 4 modules per side, so version n is (17 + 4n) modules wide. Version 40, the largest, is 177 Γ 177.
| Version | Modules | Binary bytes at L | at M | at Q | at H |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 21 Γ 21 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 |
| 2 | 25 Γ 25 | 32 | 26 | 20 | 14 |
| 3 | 29 Γ 29 | 53 | 42 | 32 | 24 |
| 4 | 33 Γ 33 | 78 | 62 | 46 | 34 |
| 5 | 37 Γ 37 | 106 | 84 | 60 | 44 |
| 10 | 57 Γ 57 | 271 | 213 | 151 | 119 |
| 25 | 117 Γ 117 | 1,273 | 997 | 715 | 535 |
| 40 | 177 Γ 177 | 2,953 | 2,331 | 1,663 | 1,273 |
The generator picks the smallest version that fits your content. The required version depends on the actual encoded bytes and error correction level; do not assume a fixed version for every short link.
Error correction levels
Error correction can restore damaged data within its limits. The percentages below refer to approximate recovery of total codewords, not a safe percentage of the visible area to cover with a logo.
| Level | Recovers about | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| L | 7% | Screens and clean prints with lots of data |
| M | 15% | Most uses (default) |
| Q | 25% | Outdoor prints, rough surfaces |
| H | 30% | Codes with a logo in the middle |
Higher correction may require a larger version for the same data. Damage to finder patterns or the quiet zone can prevent detection even when the damaged area looks small. Capacity in the table is for binary/byte mode; UTF-8 text can use more than one byte per character.
Pixels for screens and files
On screens, 512β1024 px is plenty for a website or email. For print, use a vector file (SVG, PDF or EPS) so the code stays sharp at any size. If you must use PNG, aim for 300 pixels per inch: a 2 cm code needs about 240 px, a 10 cm code about 1,200 px. Which file format to download.
How to make a QR code smaller and easier to scan
- Shorten the content. A managed short redirect URL can use fewer bytes than a long destination URL; the resulting version still depends on the encoded link and correction level.
- Choose error correction for the print conditions; QRCodeAlchemy requires level H when adding a logo. Keep the logo small and test the export.
- Use dark dots on a light background with strong contrast.
- Donβt squeeze the quiet zone.
FAQ
What is the smallest QR code that still scans?
There is no single physical minimum that works for every code and camera. Use the table as a starting point, then test the actual-size print on representative phones at the intended distance.
Is a bigger version better?
No. A bigger version has more, smaller modules. Use the lowest version that fits your content.
Does the generator make Micro QR codes?
No. QRCodeAlchemy makes standard QR codes. Camera support and scan performance vary by device, operating system and conditions.
Sources and print checks
DENSO WAVE documents module size and the four-module quiet zone, versions and data capacity, and error correction and codeword recovery. Binary capacity examples can be checked in its versions 1β10 table and versions 31β40 table.
Before ordering a run, print the final export at actual size on the intended material. Record the code size including its margin, phone models, distance and lighting; try a flat and an oblique viewing angle. Repeat after changing the data, logo, colors or material. These are recommended validation steps; no physical-device results are claimed here.