Calculate a practical QR code print size
Enter your content and how far away people will be. The calculator counts the real modules in your code and gives a print width and pixel size.
Used only to count modules; it isn't stored or sent. Longer content means more modules and a bigger print.
- Symbol
- Version 2, 25×25 modules + 4-module margin = 33 across
- Module size at that width
- 1.52 mm
- Absolute minimum (0.5 mm modules)
- 16.5 mm
- Pixels at 300 dpi
- 591 × 591 px
Based on the common 10:1 distance-to-size rule for a version 2 code, scaled by module count, and never below 0.5 mm per module. Glossy stock, curved surfaces, low light and motion all need more. Print a test at the final size before a large run.
Why content changes the size
A QR code's version, from 1 to 40, depends on how much it stores. Version 1 is 21 modules across; each version adds 4. A short link might be version 2 (25 modules) while a full contact card can reach version 10 (57 modules). At the same printed width, more modules means smaller ones, and phones need each module to cover enough pixels in the camera image.
The rules behind the numbers
- Distance: about one unit of width for every ten units of distance, for a typical short link, scaled up for denser codes.
- Module floor: no module smaller than 0.5 mm (about 0.02 in). Below that, print spread and focus start to fail.
- Quiet zone: four modules of clear space on every side, included in the width shown.
Read the full print size guide, or set the exact width in the generator's download panel.