Direct Answer
The minimum reliable print size for a QR code is 2cm × 2cm (0.8in × 0.8in) — this is the absolute floor for indoor scanning in good lighting. Recommended minimum sizes by application: business cards 1.5–2cm, table tents 3cm × 3cm, window stickers 5–8cm, outdoor For Sale boards 8–15cm, billboards 15cm+. Always download as SVG format from UnlimitedQRCodes.com for professional printing — SVG is vector and scales to any size without quality loss, unlike PNG which pixelates when enlarged.
The minimum size depends on two variables: the density of the QR code (determined by how much data it encodes and the error correction level) and the distance from which it will be scanned. Short URLs produce lower-density codes that can be reliably scanned at smaller sizes. vCard codes with many filled fields produce denser codes requiring larger sizes. ISO/IEC 18004 specifies that each QR module should be at least 0.5mm × 0.5mm for reliable scanning. A Version 3 code (29 modules wide) at minimum module size is 14.5mm × 14.5mm — approximately 1.5cm. Real-world reliability requires 2cm minimum to account for print tolerances and camera focus variation.
Always SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) for professional print production. SVG is vector — it scales to any size without pixelation. PNG (1000×1000px from UnlimitedQRCodes.com) is acceptable for small print sizes where the pixel resolution is sufficient, but SVG is always preferable for any professional production.
Print a test copy and scan with two different phones (iPhone Camera and Android Camera) at the exact final size in the actual lighting conditions of the deployment location. If both scan successfully, the size is sufficient.
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