Short answer: use 20-25 mm for most business cards, stay closer to 18-20 mm only for short URLs, and move up to 25-30 mm for denser vCards.
This guide is written for people printing business cards (visiting cards / name 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.
How big should a QR code be on a business card?#
For most business cards, 20-25 mm is the safest range. Short URL QR codes can live closer to 20 mm, while vCard / contact QR codes usually need 22-25 mm because the payload is denser.
If people scan from farther away, such as a badge holder or table stand, move up to 25-30 mm.
What is the minimum QR code size for a business card?#
A very short URL QR can sometimes work at around 18-20 mm, but that is the lower edge. For production prints, 20-25 mm is safer, especially if you use a vCard, add a label nearby, or print on textured / glossy stock.
Practical sizing table#
| 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.