The Golden Rule: 10:1 Ratio

The most important principle for QR code sizing is the 10:1 scanning distance rule:

QR Code Size = Scanning Distance ÷ 10

Examples:

• Scanning from 50 cm (counter distance) → QR code should be 5 cm × 5 cm
• Scanning from 1 meter (table distance) → QR code should be 10 cm × 10 cm
• Scanning from 2 meters (wall poster) → QR code should be 20 cm × 20 cm

Absolute Minimum Size

Never go below 2 cm × 2 cm (0.8″ × 0.8″)

This is the practical minimum for reliable scanning in most conditions. While technically a QR code can be smaller, anything below this size risks:

• Failed scans with older smartphones
• Scanning issues in poor lighting
• Difficulty for customers with shaky hands
• Problems when QR contains more data (UPI IDs are relatively data-heavy)

Recommended Sizes by Use Case

Countertop Stands (Most Common)

Scanning Distance: 30-50 cm (customer reaching across counter)

• Minimum: 3 cm × 3 cm (1.2″ × 1.2″)
• Recommended: 5 cm × 5 cm (2″ × 2″)
• Ideal for: A6 stands (4″ × 6″), small counters, checkout points

Table Tents (Restaurants/Cafes)

Scanning Distance: 40-70 cm (customer seated at table)

• Minimum: 4 cm × 4 cm (1.6″ × 1.6″)
• Recommended: 6 cm × 6 cm (2.4″ × 2.4″)
• Ideal for: A5 stands (6″ × 8″), dining tables, cafe seating

Wall Posters/Reception Desks

Scanning Distance: 1-1.5 meters (standing customers)

• Minimum: 10 cm × 10 cm (4″ × 4″)
• Recommended: 12 cm × 12 cm (4.7″ × 4.7″)
• Ideal for: A4 stands (8″ × 12″), hotel receptions, clinic counters

Store Windows/Outdoor Displays

Scanning Distance: 2-3 meters (passersby on street)

• Minimum: 20 cm × 20 cm (8″ × 8″)
• Recommended: 25 cm × 25 cm (10″ × 10″)
• Ideal for: A3 posters, storefront windows, outdoor banners

Stickers (Walls/Glass Doors)

Scanning Distance: 40-80 cm (customer approaching)

• Minimum: 4 cm × 4 cm (1.6″ × 1.6″)
• Recommended: 6 cm × 6 cm (2.4″ × 2.4″)
• Ideal for: Entry doors, glass windows, billing counters

Business Cards/Invoices

Scanning Distance: 15-30 cm (handheld, close range)

• Minimum: 2 cm × 2 cm (0.8″ × 0.8″)
• Recommended: 2.5 cm × 2.5 cm (1″ × 1″)
• Note: At this size, ensure high contrast and avoid logos larger than 25% of QR area

QRCraft Stand Sizes & Optimal QR Dimensions

A6 Countertop Stand (4″ × 6″ / 10 cm × 15 cm)

Best for: Small shops, food carts, salon desks, auto-rickshaws

• Optimal QR Size on Stand: 5 cm × 5 cm (2″ × 2″)
• Scanning Distance: Up to 50 cm (perfect for counter transactions)
• Use Case: Customer reaches across counter, scans quickly, pays

A5 Standard Stand (6″ × 8″ / 15 cm × 20 cm)

Best for: Restaurants, cafes, retail shops, clinics

• Optimal QR Size on Stand: 7 cm × 7 cm (2.8″ × 2.8″)
• Scanning Distance: Up to 70 cm (works for table and counter use)
• Use Case: Most versatile size, fits 90% of business needs

A4 Premium Stand (8″ × 12″ / 21 cm × 30 cm)

Best for: Hotel receptions, large retail stores, premium businesses

• Optimal QR Size on Stand: 10 cm × 10 cm (4″ × 4″)
• Scanning Distance: Up to 1 meter (highly visible from distance)
• Use Case: High-traffic areas where customers scan while standing farther away

Important: Quiet Zone (White Border)

Every QR code MUST have a blank white border around it called the “quiet zone”:

• Minimum Width: 4 modules (the small squares that make up the QR pattern)
• Practical Rule: At least 0.25″ (0.6 cm) white space on all sides
• Why It Matters: Without this border, phone cameras cannot detect where the QR code starts and ends

Common Mistake: Cropping the QR code too close to the edge or placing it against a colored background without white border. This breaks scannability!

Logo Overlay Guidelines

Adding your logo to the center of the QR code is popular, but requires careful sizing:

• Maximum Logo Size: 30% of total QR code area
• Safe Logo Size: 20-25% of QR area (recommended)
• Example: For a 5 cm × 5 cm QR code:
  • Total area = 25 cm²
  • Safe logo size = 5-6.25 cm² → Logo should be ~2.2 cm × 2.2 cm or smaller
• Error Correction: Use High (H) level error correction when adding logos (this is built into QRCraft)

Warning: If logo is too large (>30% area), the QR code may fail to scan. QRCraft automatically warns you if your logo exceeds safe limits.

Print Quality Requirements

Resolution (DPI)

• Screen Display: 72 DPI (sufficient for digital displays)
• Print Quality: 300 DPI minimum (what QRCraft provides in paid downloads)
• Why It Matters: Low-resolution prints appear blurry, causing scan failures

Surface Material

Best Surfaces:

• Matte paper or cardstock (no glare)
• Matte lamination (recommended for durability)
• Acrylic with anti-glare coating (what QRCraft stands use)
• Vinyl stickers with matte finish

Avoid:

• Glossy/shiny surfaces (causes glare under lights)
• Reflective materials (mirrors, shiny metal)
• Curved surfaces (pillars, bottles) – distorts QR pattern
• Textured surfaces (rough wood, fabric) – camera can’t focus

Color Contrast

• Best: Black QR on white background (100% scan success)
• Acceptable: Dark color on light background (maintain 40% luminance contrast)
• Avoid: Light colors, low contrast (e.g., yellow on white, blue on purple)

Placement Height Recommendations (India-Specific)

For Standing Customers

• Optimal Height: 150-170 cm from floor (eye level for average Indian adult)
• Why: No bending or reaching required, comfortable scanning position
• Best for: Wall-mounted displays, reception desks, checkout counters

For Seated Customers

• Optimal Height: 10-15 cm above table surface (using tent stand)
• Why: Upper half of table, no need to lean forward
• Best for: Restaurant tables, cafe seating, office desks

For Counter/Desktop

• Optimal Placement: Right side of counter (most Indians are right-handed)
• Angle: Slightly tilted toward customer (not flat on surface)
• Position: Within arm’s reach (30-40 cm from edge)

Testing Your QR Code

Before printing in bulk or ordering stands, ALWAYS test your QR code:

Testing Checklist

1. Print Test Copy: Print at actual size on the material you’ll use
2. Test Multiple Phones: Scan with at least 3 different smartphones (Android & iPhone, old & new models)
3. Test Multiple Apps: Try Google Pay, PhonePe, Paytm, BHIM, and native phone camera
4. Test Different Distances: Scan from expected minimum and maximum distances
5. Test Lighting Conditions: Try bright sunlight, indoor lighting, and low light
6. Verify Payment Details: Ensure name, UPI ID, and amount (if fixed) are correct
7. Do Test Transaction: Complete a ₹1 payment to confirm everything works end-to-end

Common Scanning Issues & Fixes

Quick Reference Chart

Pro Tips for Maximum Scannability

• Keep It Simple: Shorter UPI IDs create cleaner, easier-to-scan QR codes
• High Contrast: Always use dark QR on light background – black on white is best
• Protect From Damage: Laminate or use acrylic stands to prevent wear and tear
• Good Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting at scanning location (especially important for dark restaurants/bars)
• Stable Position: Use weighted stands so QR doesn’t move/tip over during scanning
• Add Instructions: Simple text like “Scan & Pay” or “Point Camera Here” increases scan rates by 30%
• Regular Testing: Test your printed QR code monthly – print fades over time
• Backup Display: Have QR code on both stand AND sticker in case one gets damaged

Summary: Size Selection Made Easy

Not sure which size to choose? Follow this simple guide:

Choose A6 Stand (4″ × 6″) if:

• Small counter space (food cart, auto, small kiosk)
• Customers scan from very close (30-40 cm)
• Budget-conscious option needed

Choose A5 Stand (6″ × 8″) if: MOST POPULAR

• Standard shop counter or cafe table
• Customers scan from 40-70 cm
• Need versatile size that works for multiple locations

Choose A4 Stand (8″ × 12″) if:

• Large reception desk or hotel counter
• Premium business image
• High-traffic area where visibility from distance matters

Choose Stickers (6 cm QR) if:

• Entry doors, glass windows, walls
• Temporary setup or events
• Multiple payment points needed (each cash counter, each table)