This guide is written for people printing business cards (visiting cards) and wanting reliable scans (not theory).
Need to make one? Use the business card QR code generator.
Want a quick estimate? Try the QR code size calculator.
Standard business card dimensions (US/EU/JP)#
Business card dimensions affect how much clean space you have for the QR (and how large you can print it without crowding the design).
- US: 3.5 × 2 in (88.9 × 50.8 mm)
- EU/UK: 85 × 55 mm
- Japan: 91 × 55 mm
Tip: the back of the business card is usually the easiest place to keep a clean quiet zone. See placement tips.
The short answer#
- Aim for 20–25 mm (0.8–1.0″) QR size on a standard card.
- Keep a quiet zone (blank margin) of at least 4 modules around the code.
- Print in high contrast (dark on light), avoid glossy reflections if possible.
Practical sizing table#
Use the larger sizes if your QR content is long (vCard, long URLs) or if people scan from farther away.
| Use case | Recommended size |
|---|---|
| Short URL / profile link | 20–22 mm (0.8–0.87″) |
| vCard / longer payloads | 22–25 mm (0.87–1.0″) |
| “Scan from a lanyard / event badge distance” | 25–30 mm (1.0–1.2″) |
SVG vs PNG#
For printing, download SVG so the edges stay sharp at any size. PNG is fine for screens, but can blur when resized for print.
Quick print checklist#
- Use a short, stable destination (avoid tracking links that may expire).
- Test scan from 30–50 cm (12–20″) in indoor lighting.
- Avoid placing the QR on a busy background.
- Don’t crop the quiet zone when exporting or placing in design tools.