How Small Can a QR Code Be?

Did you know that QR code size depends on how much data is within the QR code? If you were to try to resize a QR code with a lot of data, it may make the QR code unreadable by smartphones. More minor QR codes are more straightforward to scan if you have limited space on products such as business cards or labels.

What are the Smallest and Largest possible QR Code sizes?

• Smallest – 0.8 in x 0.8 in or (2 cm x 2 cm)
• Largest – No limit

Whether static or dynamic, QR codes can be of virtually any size. However, it is essential to make sure the correct size is used depending on the use case. A QR Code should be at least 0.8 in x 0.8 in or (2 cm x 2 cm). Smaller sizes often lead to scanning issues if you use a smartphone to scan the code.

There is no maximum size limit on a QR code’s size. Fun fact – The world’s most significant was a massive farm field project by a group of farmers in Canada in 2012. It was carved into a wheat field in ManitobManManitobManitoba’sstachespanned 29,000 square meters (7 acres). Depending on the scanning distance, a large QR may be required. A 10:1 size-to-distance ratio applies, meaning a QR Code 1 foot wide can be scanned up to 10 feet away. Ensuring the required scanning distance is practical for oversized QR Codes, such as those on billboards.

When deciding on size, consider the QR Code’s purpose, placement, and audience. You can customize them to create a friendly design that makes users want to scan them.

What Determines the Size of a QR Code?

The size of a QR code depends on:

1. Data Length: QR codes that store long URLs or large amounts of data require more modules (black and white squares).
2. Error Correction Level: Higher error correction levels allow QR codes to recover lost or obscured data, but they increase the size.
3. Physical Dimensions: For a QR code to be scannable, its size must match the resolution of the scanning device. Since a QR Code is just an image, you can always resize it to fit your needs.

Why Shorter URLs Make Smaller QR Codes

Short URLs result in fewer data modules, making the QR code simpler and smaller. For example:

• A long URL, like https://example.com/some/very-long-url, produces a large, complex QR code which, when resized, may not scan properly
• A short URL, like https://t.ly/abc, resulting in a smaller and simpler QR code that is scannable

More minor QR codes are faster to scan and less prone to errors when printed on small surfaces.

How T.LY URL Shortener Helps

The T.LY URL Shortener converts long URLs into compact links. This reduces the amount of data encoded in a QR code, which:

• Shrinks the QR code’s scanability, even in low-light or poor-print-quality situations.
• Saves space on printed materials.
• Create custom QR codes
• Create trackable QR Codes

How to Create Small QR Codes with T.LY

1. Shorten Your URL:
   Visit T.LY and paste your long URL to generate a short one.
2. Generate a QR Code:
   Use the built-in QR code feature to create a code for the shortened URL.
3. Download and Print:
   Export the QR code and print it on your materials. Make sure you test your QR code with our QR Code scanner tool.

By following these steps, you can generate QR codes that are as small as possible while maintaining functionality.

Practical Use Cases

• Business Cards: Save space by embedding a short QR code linking to your portfolio or contact details.
• Product Packaging: Use small QR codes for instructions or warranty information.
• Event Tickets: Minimize QR code size for streamlined designs.

Small QR codes are more practical, easier to scan, and save space. Using T.LY URL Shortener, you can reduce the size of your QR codes without compromising functionality. Short URLs simplify QR codes, ensuring they work seamlessly in all scenarios.