Best print sizes for WiFi posters.
The right size depends on two things: how far away the person scanning will be, and what kind of room it lives in. This guide covers the common sizes, the rule of thumb for QR scan distance, and what we recommend by use case.
The two questions to ask first
Before picking a paper size, answer these:
- How far away is the scanner standing? Across the room, at a table, leaning over the counter?
- Where does the poster live? A framed card on a side table reads differently than a fridge poster.
Both answers point you to the right size faster than picking by paper-size habit alone.
Common sizes and where they work
prettywifi.co generates posters at three standard sizes that cover almost every situation.
5x7 (framed cards)
A 5x7 print fits a standard tabletop frame and looks intentional on a side table, kitchen counter, host stand, or hotel room desk. The QR is large enough to scan from a meter or two away. This is the right pick for hospitality settings, restaurant host stands, B&B rooms, and any context where the poster should feel like a designed object rather than a sign.
US Letter and A4 (full-page prints)
A full-page print works for a wall mount, a fridge, a cubicle, a notice board, or anywhere the poster needs to be readable from across a room. The QR is much larger and reads from three or four meters. This is the right pick for cafe walls, gym locker rooms, coworking lounges, and party tables where guests are at varying distances.
A4 (210x297mm) and US Letter (8.5x11in) are close enough that the same design works on either, though the proportions differ slightly. Pick the one that matches your local paper.
How big the QR itself needs to be
A reliable rule of thumb: a QR code needs about 1 cm of width per meter of scanning distance. So a QR meant to be scanned from 2 meters away should be at least 2 cm across. From 4 meters, 4 cm. Cameras are forgiving and will often work with smaller, but the rule keeps you safe across older phones and dim lighting.
On our 5x7 templates, the QR is roughly 7 cm across, which scans cleanly from about 5 meters. On the full-page templates, the QR is roughly 14 cm, which scans from across most rooms.
Paper choice
For framed 5x7 prints, matte cardstock or photo paper holds up to handling and avoids glare. For wall mounts, plain matte 80-100 gsm paper works fine if you are pinning it; cardstock if you are not. Glossy paper looks nice but reflects ceiling lights at certain angles, which can make the QR harder to scan.
Avoid printing wifi QR codes on textured paper. The texture interferes with the camera reading the squares cleanly, especially at smaller sizes.
What we recommend by use case
A few quick picks:
- Airbnb or B&B guest room: 5x7 framed, on the desk or bedside table.
- Cafe or restaurant: 5x7 on the host stand, US Letter for a wall behind the bar.
- Wedding venue: 5x7 on a small easel at the welcome table or photo booth.
- Gym locker room or yoga studio: US Letter on the wall by the cubbies.
- Home holiday gathering: 5x7 on the entry table, A4 if guests will be in the kitchen.
Common questions.
- What is the smallest size that still scans?
- Around 2 cm across the QR itself for short-range scanning (under a meter). Below that, older phones and low light start failing. Stick to the 1 cm per meter of distance rule.
- Does paper color affect scanning?
- Yes, but mildly. High contrast (dark QR on light paper) reads best. Pale cream paper is fine. Avoid dark paper with a dark QR, or any combination that drops below 60% contrast.
- Can I print on cardstock?
- Yes, this is recommended for framed prints. Use matte cardstock between 200 and 350 gsm for a 5x7 that holds up in a frame.
- Does laminating affect scanning?
- Matte lamination is fine and protects the print. Glossy lamination causes glare under overhead lights and can interfere with scanning. If you laminate, choose matte.