The #1 cow-based calculator of QR code minimum sizes!
Frequently Asked Questions
A few more details from QR Cow about the QR codes, the calculator, the process, and best practices:
How are the sizes determined?
A LOT of boring testing.
To date I have ran hundreds of test (750+), scanning well over 100 different QR codes with multiple devices at different distances and recording the results.
I then used math (ewww) to convert between measurement units, and if needed find the precise measurements between test results.
Phones & cameras
To ensure the sizes listed are accurate I used a mix of high-end, midrange, and budget devices (more on that below) that entered the market between 2017-2022. This range of price points and ages covers nearly all phones still in use.
The devices also met the 3 most common camera benchmarks still on the market in that time window (12-13mp, 8mp, and 5mp).
Camera app vs Scanning App
Whenever possible testing was done within the standard camera app – because that’s how most people interact with QR codes. However, most budget devices aren’t able to use the camera and 3rd party apps are required.
Why does this matter? Dedicated QR apps can be better at reading simple codes than in-camera readers. But, in-camera apps can take advantage of the camera’s focus. Plus, most people who have an in-camera app won’t download an additional app.
Zoom setting
I did not use any zoom settings on any device. This can make codes readable from further away – but no one will take the time to scan your code if it’s a pain in the ass. The expectation for the minimum size is that it could be scanned without fuss.
Lighting and Contrast
All tests were completed with full-contrast black and white QR codes in good mid-level indoor lighting.
What is the “Most Phones” size?
This size is likely the minimum needed for typical consumer goods or marketing where your audience likely has a the income for a mid-range phone, and might scan your QR code with the camera.
This smaller size will be readable by all popular high-end phones (Apple, Google, Samsung) and should be most mid-level phones ($200+). These phones have better cameras and often multiple lenses that allow them to focus on fine details at close range, and in-camera QR code readers.
As you can see below even some older, very reasonably priced devices from still fall into this category:
| Camera | Scan app | MSRP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iphone 13 mini | 12mp | Camera | $800 |
| Google Pixel | 12mp | Camera | $800 |
| Samsung A11 | 13mp | Camera | $200 |
| Motorola G5 | 13mp | Camera | $150 |
For marketing, it’s common to be fine only reaching most phones as you will still reach a high number of people, and those with more disposable income.
What is the “All Phones” size?
Use this size if the maximum reach is critical and your code needs to be accessible to everyone. An example might be linking to medical information or public service announcements.
This size includes budget devices that are still modern production but have lower camera specs and/or require a 3rd party QR reading app. These phones are more common than you might think, but are also represent a smaller percentage of QR code use (because it’s a hassle).
These devices are all $100 or less.
| Camera | Scan app | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Android | 5mp | 3rd party | $50 |
| Android | 8mp | In-camera | $100 |
| Android | 13mp | 3rd party | $100 |
Improve QR Code Engagement
The results give are the bare minimum size to function. Using a larger size will improve speed of scanning, compensate for poor conditions, and be more likely to get engagement. There is a difference between what is “technically scannable” and what “looks scannable”.
Functionality
A larger code is easier for a camera to focus on and faster to read, especially when conditions are not ideal. The viewer might be moving lighting might be poor, or shadows cast could interrupt the code.
It can be the difference between having to stop and focus the camera – or just pointing your phone at it as you walk by.
The human size
Just because a code is readable, doesn’t mean it “looks readable”. You typically need to make the QR code larger than the technical minimum to make it feel accessible to the viewer holding the phone.
This is subjective, but the better size measurement does consider what feels approachable for a viewer to engage.
What is Reduced Contrast?
The contrast between the QR code and its background is crucial for readability. Using black and white (or colors with the highest possible contrast) is strongly recommended. Low-contrast colors make the code harder to scan, requiring it to be larger.
However many companies like using their brand colors to make the codes fit better in a design. So, the “Reduced Contrast” option in the calculator provides an estimated adjustment for lower-contrast colors. However, due to the infinite potential color variations, this estimate is not precise.
What is the Margin or Safety?
The “margin”, “safety” or”quiet space” is the white boarder around the QR code that helps readers identify the edges of the QR code.
The sizes listed on this site do NOT include any margin.
Ideally the margin of a QR code should be at least 10-15% of the size of the code. So a 1″ QR code would have 0.1″ – 0.15″ of white space each side. With modern phones the margin isn’t as critical as it once was, but it still looks cleaner to include.
Why do the QR codes stop at Version 5
Most consumer facing QR codes should aim to be a version 5 or below if possible. But, I do plan on adding Versions 6 & 7 in the future.
It takes about 125 scans for every additional QR versions, with multiple setups.