QR Code Size for Restaurant Menus & Table Tents

QR codes on restaurant menus and tabletop acrylic stands face unique physical challenges: patrons scan them from across a table (35 cm to 50 cm away), often in dim mood lighting, romantic candlelight, or through scratched protective acrylic sleeves. Applying the standard 10:1 scanning distance rule indicates that tabletop codes should measure at least 35 mm × 35 mm (roughly 1.4 inches). Making codes smaller forces diners to pick up the table stand or struggle to focus their phone cameras in low light. Our guide provides optimal dimensions, lamination guidance, and contrast requirements to ensure seamless digital menu access for every guest. We explain how matte finishes eliminate overhead spotlight reflections, why 7:1 contrast ratios prevent camera stutter, and how direct static encoding protects your venue from unexpected monthly redirect subscription fees. Export vector SVG files to keep your table tents and menu cards permanently scannable.