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How Much Data Can a QR Code Store?

How much data can a QR code store
✅ Discover how much data a QR code can store and its limitations.
✅ Understand how QR codes store data and how that impacts their size.

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How much data can a QR code store

How Do QR Codes Store Data?

QR codes can store a variety of data types, including text, URLs, contact information, and even small images. The amount of data stored depends on several factors, such as the error correction level, QR code version, and type of data being encoded.

QR codes are widely used for storing information, but just how much data can they hold? In this blog post, we’ll explore the maximum data capacity of QR codes, the different types of data you can store, and how the structure of a QR code influences the amount of data it can store.

A QR code (Quick Response code) is a type of data matrix barcode that can store data in both horizontal and vertical directions. Unlike traditional barcodes, which can only store information in one dimension, QR codes use a combination of black and white modules to encode data. These modules represent binary information that can be quickly decoded by a scanner or smartphone.

QR Code Structure and Error Correction

QR codes use error correction to improve reliability, allowing the code to be scanned even if it’s partially damaged. There are four levels of error correction.

L (Low): Recovers up to 7% of the data
M (Medium): Recovers up to 15% of the data
Q (Quartile): Recovers up to 25% of the data
H (High): Recovers up to 30% of the data

Try scanning the QR code here
Even though it is broken, it still scans. This is the wonder of error correction.

The structure of a QR code includes position markers, timing patterns, and alignment patterns, which are necessary for accurate scanning. These elements take up space within the QR code, reducing the overall space available for data storage. The complexity of the stored data also affects the QR code size and the number of modules needed.

How Much Data Can a QR Code Store?

QR codes come in different versions, ranging from Version 1 to Version 40. Each version increases in size and data capacity, with more modules (squares) being added as the version number increases. Below are visual examples of different QR code versions (1 to 40). As the version number increases, the number of modules also increases, resulting in more data capacity but requiring a larger print size for effective scanning.

Here is how much content each QR code version can hold:

QR code versionNumbers onlyLetters + numbers
14125
10531318
201,461894
302,3211,419
40 (Maximum)7,0894,296

Stay under version 5 for marketing purposes
To make your QR codes small and nice, use a dynamic QR code to shorten the contents.

Version 1 QR Code

This looks nice and clean, right? QR codes don’t need to be more complicated than this.

Whether you are on version 1-4 depends on if you use a QR code with a logo in the middle. Such elements can take up some of the space needed and make it more complex.

Version 1 contains 21 x 21 modules and is capable of storing a small amount of data.

Version 10 QR Code

If you are creating static QR codes as vCards then you can easily end up here. You want to avoid having such QR codes because they need to be printed fairly large and are difficult to scan.

Version 10 contains 57 x 57 modules, suitable for larger alphanumeric data, such as contact information, event details, or promotional codes when you must use static QR codes.

Version 40 QR Code

You definitely want to avoid a QR code like this.

Dynamic QR codes let you enter this much data and even more while staying visually at version 1-3.

The largest version 40 , with 177 x 177 modules, capable of storing large data sets such as vCards, lengthy URLs, or detailed product information when using static QR codes.

These numbers are maximum values under ideal conditions. The actual data capacity can decrease depending on the error correction level (L, M, Q, H), which helps recover data if the QR code is damaged. Higher error correction levels mean less data can be stored, but the code becomes more resilient to damage.

Which versions to use where

LinkedIn QR code getting pasted as a sticker onto a product

Smallest print

When your QR code will be printed quite small on product labels and such, then it is important to look at the contents size. You want to use the smallest version possible here. Try to stay under version 3.

Example of a professional LinkedIn business card

Small print

Try to remain under version 5 with business cards and other similar items. When using a static QR code, you will have to print it larger and it can ruin the design of your business card by taking up too much space.

A multi QR code for social media pages

Medium print

Typically use Versions 1-5 for QR codes on flyers, as these versions provide enough data capacity for URLs and can be easily scanned from a distance.

QR Code with video on billboard at the mall

Large print

You can use up to version 6 when printing QR codes on banners. However, we recommend to stay under version 5 at all times, as it will look more appealing to customers. Also, it will be easier to scan and you can make it smaller.

How QR Code Data Capacity Affects Size

Screenshot of a QR code scanner without an app on a smartphone

The more data you store in a QR code, the larger and more complex it becomes. A QR code with a high data capacity will have more modules, making it denser and sometimes harder to scan. It’s essential to balance data size with scanability to ensure the QR code works effectively in real-world conditions.

Maximum QR Code Size Limits

While there is no official maximum QR code size, larger QR codes can be challenging to print and scan. Typically, a QR code with a significant amount of data should be at least 5 x 5 cm to ensure proper scanning. The size also depends on the scanning distance and the environment where the QR code will be used. Learn more about QR code sizes here.

Best Practices for Storing Data in QR Codes

People opening links to different materials using their devices

Keep It Simple

The simpler the data, the easier it is for a QR code to be scanned. Using a short URL instead of a long one will improve the scannability of your code. Dynamic QR codes automatically help you shorten your codes.

A multi-link QR code with different social media links

Error Correction Level

For QR codes used in environments where damage is likely, choose a higher error correction level to ensure reliability. QR code generator tools like Pageloot do this automatically for you.

Google Form QR Code opened on the phone

Test Before Printing

Always test your QR codes before mass printing to ensure they are easy to scan from different distances and angles. You can use your phone camera app or the QR code scanner tool.

The data capacity of a QR code depends on several factors, including the version, error correction level, and type of data stored. By understanding these factors, you can create effective QR codes that balance data storage with scannability. Whether you need a QR code for a simple URL or a more complex vCard, knowing the limitations and possibilities of QR codes can help you make the right choice for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions about the QR code reader
How much information can be stored in a QR code?

A QR code can store up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, or 2,953 bytes of binary data, depending on the version and error correction level.

What factors affect the data capacity of a QR code?

The QR code version, error correction level, and type of data (numeric, alphanumeric, binary) all affect how much data can be stored.

How does error correction impact QR code data capacity?

Higher error correction levels improve the durability of the QR code but reduce the maximum amount of data that can be stored.

What is the maximum size of a QR code?

There is no official maximum size, but larger QR codes can be harder to scan. For practical use, a QR code should be at least 3 x 3 cm (1.2 x 1.2 in) for effective scanning. Learn more about QR code sizes here.

Can QR codes store images?

Yes, QR codes can store small images directly by encoding them as binary data, but this reduces the overall data capacity for other types of information. It is better to use an image QR code for this purpose.

How can I maximize the data stored in a QR code?

To maximize data storage, choose a higher QR code version and a lower error correction level. You can also use dynamic QR codes to reduce the amount of data encoded.

How do I determine the right size for my QR code?

The size of a QR code depends on the scanning distance and data complexity. A good rule of thumb is a 1:10 ratio between the QR code size and the scanning distance.

Can QR codes be too large?

Yes, extremely large QR codes can be impractical to print or scan. Ensure the size is appropriate for the intended use, balancing data capacity with scanability.

How much data can be stored in a QR code with high error correction?

With high error correction (H), a QR code can store fewer characters compared to lower error correction levels, as more space is reserved for error recovery. For example, the maximum capacity may drop from 4,296 alphanumeric characters to around 2,000 characters.

About the author

Siim Tiigimägi is the Content Lead at Pageloot. He writes about our innovative QR code generator services. With a profound expertise spanning over half a decade on QR codes, Siim is a subject matter expert in the field. He makes significant strides in leveraging QR technology to simplify and augment digital interactions.

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The most easy and reliable QR code Generator ever. PDF files can be uploaded instantly. Our restaurant menus are now digital.
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This is an excellent tool and the QR codes take you to just where you want. We only use the location QR code but there are so many useful features.
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Retail products
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Easy to use and quick. It works great and creates a perfect images, so employees can download my vCard.
Hugo Laurent
Hugo Laurent
Restaurant owner
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The most easy and reliable QR code Generator ever. PDF files can be uploaded instantly. Our restaurant menus are now digital.
Lucas Jansen
Lucas Jansen
Real estate developer
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This is an excellent tool and the QR codes take you to just where you want. We only use the location QR code but there are so many useful features.
Emma Moretti
Emma Moretti
Retail products
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Easy to use and quick. It works great and creates a perfect images, so employees can download my vCard.

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