What size should a menu QR code be?

A QR code has to be large enough for a phone camera to see each of its small squares, called modules, clearly. Too small and phones hunt for focus or give up. The answer depends on two things: how far away people stand when they scan, and how many modules the code has.

The distance rule

A reliable rule of thumb is that the code should be at least one tenth of the scanning distance across. A guest at a table holds the phone about 25–30 cm from a table tent, so 2.5–3 cm is the minimum. Someone reading a window sticker from two metres needs a code of about 20 cm.

Shorter links scan better

Every character in the link adds modules. A long address with tracking parameters can produce a code with twice as many modules as a short one, which means each module prints half as large at the same size. That's why dynamic codes use short links: kiwii.link/Ab3x9 makes a small, coarse code that scans easily even at 2 cm.

Leave a quiet zone

Scanners need empty space around the code to find its edges. Keep a margin of at least four modules on every side, free of text, borders and patterns. Our downloads include this margin.

Contrast and colour

• Dark code on a light background. Many phones can't read light-on-dark codes.
• Aim for strong contrast; brand colours work if they're dark enough.
• Print on matte stock. Gloss and laminate reflect ceiling lights straight into the camera.
• If you add a logo in the centre, use high error correction (level H), which can recover about 30% of the code.

Always test before printing a batch

Print one copy at the final size, put it where it will live, and scan it with an older Android phone and a recent iPhone in the room's real light. If either hesitates, make it larger or simplify the design.