Quantum computers promise to revolutionize fields from medicine to materials science, but their potential is severely limited by high operational error rates. To execute useful, large-scale algorithms, a robust method for correcting these errors is essential. We report a landmark achievement in quantum error correction using our latest class of processors, Willow. We increase the code distance of a surface code logical qubit from distance-3 to distance-5 and ultimately distance-7, resulting in a reduction in logical error by a factor of 2.14 ± 0.02 at each step. This logical qubit is also beyond break-even, exceeding its best physical qubit’s lifetime by a factor of 2.4 ± 0.3. This result fulfills a nearly 30-year-old goal in the field, demonstrating the foundational principle of fault-tolerant quantum computing and unlocking the path toward reliable, large-scale quantum applications.