How Many QR Code Combinations Are There
Jonathan Palley
Sep 12, 2025
QR codes have become part of everyday life. Popping up on restaurant menus, product packaging, concert tickets, and even gravestones. Their design looks simple, but behind those squares lies a world of technical sophistication. A question we often get is:
How many different QR codes are possible?
The short answer? An unimaginable number. The long answer? Let’s break it down.
What Makes Each QR Code Unique?
A QR code isn’t just a random set of black-and-white squares. Several elements contribute to its uniqueness:
1. Version (Size)
There are 40 versions of QR codes. Each version increases the number of modules (tiny squares) in the code:
- Version 1: 21x21 modules
- Version 40: 177x177 modules
More modules = more data = more possible combinations.
2. Encoding Mode
QR codes can store different types of data using one of four modes:
- Numeric (0–9)
- Alphanumeric (0–9, A–Z, and a few symbols)
- Byte (binary data, including special characters)
- Kanji (Japanese characters)
Each mode has its own limits, but all drastically impact how much and what kind of data can be stored.
3. Error Correction Level
QR codes are built to survive damage. There are four error correction levels:
- L (Low) – 7% data recovery
- M (Medium) – 15%
- Q (Quartile) – 25%
- H (High) – 30%
Higher correction levels use more space for backup data, reducing the space available for unique content, but increasing resilience.
4. Mask Pattern
QR codes apply one of eight mask patterns to help scanners read them more easily. Each mask changes the appearance slightly while keeping the data the same.
Math Behind QR Code Combinations
Let’s Talk Numbers
Even just one version of a QR code (say Version 40) has over 31,000 modules. Each of which can be either black or white.
So, the theoretical number of combinations is: 2^31,329
That’s more than a googol (10^100), and that’s before even factoring in error correction levels, encoding modes, and mask patterns.
Real-World Estimate
Let’s consider a basic scenario:
- Use the alphanumeric mode
- Store a 25-character string
- Apply error correction level M
- Use one of the 8 mask patterns
This already allows for 1.5 septillion (1.5 x 10^24) possible combinations—and that’s just scratching the surface.
When you add in longer messages, higher versions, different modes, and the layering of technical features, estimates reach as high as: 10^7000 or more
For perspective, the number of atoms in the observable universe is estimated at ~10^80. That means there are more possible QR codes than atoms in existence.
Can We Ever Run Out of QR Codes?
Short Answer: No
Technically, the number of combinations is finite, but so astronomically large that it’s effectively infinite for human use.
Even if every person on Earth created a new QR code every second, we’d barely make a dent in the total possible combinations, even over billions of years.
Dynamic QR Codes Add Even More Possibility
Don’t forget: Dynamic QR codes can be updated after creation, meaning one image can serve many purposes over time, further expanding possibilities without using up more codes.
If you want to try them out, you can visit a free dynamic QR code generator called QR Codes Unlimited.
What About Duplicate QR Codes?
Two QR codes can look visually different due to different masks or error correction levels, but still contain the same data. Conversely, two QR codes that look the same to the eye might encode different binary structures under the hood.
Also, QR codes with short URLs (like bit.ly/x123) can appear similar, but as long as the URL or text differs even slightly, the code is unique.
Busting the Myth: “We’re Running Out of QR Codes”
A myth circulated online claiming that 80% of QR codes had already been used up by 2025.
That’s completely false.
QR codes are not a limited registry. There's no global database of "used" QR codes because they’re decentralized. Anyone can generate one at any time, without conflict.
So rest easy: whether you’re a business generating thousands of codes, or a person making a custom QR tattoo, you’re not contributing to a “shortage.”
Final Thoughts
So, how many QR code combinations are there?
- Trillions? Yes.
- Googols? Yes.
- More than you’ll ever need? Absolutely.
QR codes are one of the most flexible, resilient, and scalable tools in the digital world today. Their design makes them ideal for an endless number of applications without ever worrying about running out.
Ready to create your own QR code?
Generate unlimited unique, high-quality QR codes right here at QR Codes Unlimited where infinite possibilities meet zero limitations.
