QR Codes: Sizes and Capabilities

QR codes are unique matrix codes that can vary in size depending on the user's needs. The question of how large a QR code can be has a clear answer: its size can be anything, even up to gigantic proportions, making such digital business cards truly unique.

Is it possible to create a giant QR code?

Yes, definitely. By using advanced QR code generators, you can adjust the size to fit your needs. It’s important to remember that there is no maximum size for QR codes, but their scannability must be considered. To ensure that your QR code is easy to scan, you need to use a QR code optimization process and high-quality graphic formats such as SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics).

What factors affect the scannability of a QR code?

The size of a QR code should match the distance from which it will be scanned. The ideal ratio is 10:1. This means that if the scanning distance is 10 meters, the QR code should be at least 1 meter wide and tall. It’s essential to conduct a test scan using a smartphone before deploying the code.

The largest QR codes in the world

  1. Yuengling QR Code — In 2022, American brewery Yuengling, together with Chalfant Family Farms, created a massive QR code out of crops, covering an area of 1,721,344 square feet. This code spanned an area equivalent to twenty football fields and allowed users to scan it to access charitable promotions.

  2. Halo QR Code — In March 2022, at the South by Southwest conference in Texas, a display using 400 drones formed a giant QR code in the air, measuring 300 x 600 feet. Scanning this code unlocked an exclusive trailer for the new sci-fi series "Halo."

  3. Shanghai QR Code — In April 2021, the developers of the game "Princess Connect!" in China used 1,500 drones to create a QR code, which directed users to a page with information about the mobile game.

  4. The Largest Human QR Code — On November 25, 2019, 3,029 employees of Taiping Life Insurance in China formed a massive QR code, which was included in the Guinness Book of World Records. Scanning this code directed users to the company's website.

Minimum sizes of QR codes

The smallest QR codes can be as small as 2 x 2 cm, which is sufficient for smartphones to scan them correctly. However, it is possible to create even smaller codes, such as the 1 cm QR codes used in the Japanese city of Iruma to track elderly individuals with dementia.

Choosing the file format for a QR code: PNG or SVG?

For printing giant QR codes, it is recommended to use the SVG format, as it ensures high image quality when scaled. This is especially important for large codes that need to retain clarity regardless of their size.