QR codes are encountered in different circumstances, fitting into one of the following distances.

• Intimate distance
• Personal distance
• Social distance
• Public distance

Sizes listed always refer to an exact square shape because otherwise, your QR code will not function properly.

Effectively zero distance. These QR codes are expected to be interacted with from a small distance; it can be as small as the camera focus on your device can go.

Examples of QR codes at intimate distances:

• QR codes inside a magazine or newspaper
• QR codes on envelopes mailed to you
• QR codes on business cards
• QR codes on the menu in a restaurant
• QR codes on products in a supermarket
• QR codes on books and DVD covers

Minimum size for QR codes at intimate distances

• 10 mm (.4 inch), excluding the margin

Recommend size for QR codes at intimate distances

• 12 mm (.5 inch), excluding the margin

This is the distance individuals maintain between each other. The length of the arm plays a major role in defining this distance and it ranges between .5 to 1 meter (1.5-3 feet). QR codes that fit into the personal distance are QR codes that are in your arm distance after extending your arm towards them.

Examples of QR codes at personal distances:

• QR codes on supermarket shelves
• QR codes on bus stations
• QR codes in a zoo or museum

Minimum size for QR codes at personal distances

• 5 cm (2 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of .5 to 1 meter (1.5-3 feet).

This is the distance that people feel comfortable with, in a social situation. It measures between 1-3 meters (3-10 feet). QR codes that are expected to be interacted within a social distance are QR codes positioned in places where many people are gathered.

Examples of QR codes at social distances:

• QR codes in subway cars
• QR codes in buses
• QR codes in underground stations
• QR codes in bars and restaurants
• QR codes in movie theaters
• QR codes on posters and LED screens
• QR codes on in-store POS / POP displays
• QR codes on storefront windows

Minimum size for QR codes at social distances

• 10 cm (3.5 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of 1  meters (3 feet).
• 30 cm (12 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of 3 meters (10 feet).

This is the distance considered to be well outside any social involvement. It measures more than 3 meters (10 feet and above). QR codes are expected to be interacted in a public zone.

Examples of QR codes at public distances:

• QR codes on billboards
• QR codes on signage
• QR codes on T-shirts
• QR codes on sign posts
• QR codes on buildings and entrances
• QR codes on buses

Minimum size for QR codes at public distances

• 30 cm (12 inches), excluding the margin, is the minimum size for scanning at a distance of more than 3 meters (10 feet and above). See formula below for QR codes at a distance.

Because those scanning may not be directly next to the code, you’ll need to increase the QR code size depending on how far away they will be. For example, if a code on a billboard will be scanned at a distance of 10 meters, the code should be at least 1 meter wide.

• Ratio of scanning distance to QR code size
  • 10:1
• Formula for calculating QR code size based on scanning distance
  • QR code minimum size = Scanning distance (in cm or inches) ÷ 10

Please see, What are the QR Code Printing Guidelines & Best Practices?