Keep the quiet zone
Leave clear space around the code equal to about four modules — don't crowd it with text or a border.
Where to use
A business card that saves itself
Add a QR code to your card and a tap drops your name, number, email and links straight into the other person's phone — no typing, nothing lost.
- Tap to save
- Editable
- Scan-tested sizes
Business card QR size guide
Cards are scanned from roughly arm's length. The rule of thumb: minimum size ≈ scan distance ÷ 10.
| Context | Minimum size | Scan distance |
|---|---|---|
| Standard card (85×55mm) | 1.5 × 1.5 cm | up to ~15 cm |
| Card with plenty of white space | 2 × 2 cm | up to ~20 cm |
| Code with a center logo | 2 × 2 cm (use higher error correction) | up to ~15 cm |
| Full-back code (whole reverse side) | 3 × 3 cm | up to ~30 cm |
Note: Always test the printed card with a couple of real phones before ordering the full run.
Who it's for
Cards that do more
Sales & networking
Hand over a card and your full contact saves instantly at events.
Real estate agents
Link to listings or a booking page, editable as inventory changes.
Founders & execs
One card that opens your site, calendar or press kit.
Freelancers
Point to a portfolio and update it without new cards.
Teams
Roll out consistent cards and see which scan most.
Service pros
Add a review link so happy clients rate you on the spot.
Business card QR code FAQ
How small can the QR code be on a business card?
About 1.5 × 1.5 cm on a standard card, and 2 × 2 cm if you add a logo or want extra reliability. Smaller than that gets risky at typical scan distances.
What should the code link to?
A digital business card (vCard Plus) is ideal — it saves your contact in a tap and can also show your bio, links and location. A plain website works too.
Can I change my details after printing?
Yes, if you use a dynamic vCard. Update your number, title or links and every printed card reflects it — no reprint.
Do I need a logo in the code?
It's optional. A center logo looks great but eat into the data area, so bump the size to 2 × 2 cm and use a higher error-correction level.
Will it scan from a photo or screenshot?
Yes — the code works whether it's scanned live or from an image, as long as it's printed clearly and large enough.
Design for the real scanning moment
- Keep the code at least around 2 cm when possible, preserve a quiet zone and print a clear label such as “Save my contact”.
- Preserve the quiet zone around the code.
- Avoid decorative changes that reduce foreground/background contrast.
- Scan a production proof with more than one phone before approving the full run.
- Match the destination to the placement. Common choices include vCard Plus, vCard.
Put a scannable card in every pocket
Create a digital business card QR code — no reprints when things change.