The 10:1 Scanning Distance Rule: Sizing QR Codes for Physical Print
A practical guide to sizing QR codes for business cards, restaurant menus, flyers, and trade show banners using the optical 10:1 distance ratio.
One of the most frequent mistakes in graphic design is making a QR code too small on physical print collateral.
The optical rule of thumb used by pre-press engineers is the 10:1 Scanning Distance Ratio: the width of the QR code should be approximately 1/10th of the distance from which people will scan it.
For handheld items like business cards held 20–25 cm from the camera, the minimum size is 20–25 mm (roughly 1 inch). Printing below 20 mm causes budget phone cameras with fixed-focus lenses to fail to focus.
For restaurant table tents scanned across a table (40 cm distance), aim for at least 35–40 mm. For wall posters and window signs scanned from 1 meter away, size the code at least 80–100 mm.
Always request a physical test proof from your printer before running thousands of copies. Test the proof in low lighting using both an iPhone and an entry-level Android phone.
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