diff --git a/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_qt.py b/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_qt.py
index a93b37799971..6603883075d4 100644
--- a/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_qt.py
+++ b/lib/matplotlib/backends/backend_qt.py
@@ -492,7 +492,7 @@ def _draw_idle(self):
             if not self._draw_pending:
                 return
             self._draw_pending = False
-            if self.height() < 0 or self.width() < 0:
+            if self.height() <= 0 or self.width() <= 0:
                 return
             try:
                 self.draw()