Billions of QR codes are being generated and scanned year over year, but many still wonder: will we ever run out of QR codes?
And the quickest answer to that is no. Every QR code we generate is unique from each other, even when they lead to the same content.
Read on as we unravel the truth behind these quick-response codes.
Myth vs reality: Will we ever run out of QR codes?
The simple appearance of QR codes often gives the impression that they all look the same—but they’re not.
Under the hood lies a highly structured system that leaves room for trillions of unique QR codes to be created.
This already answers the question, in the future? But let’s break it down further for you.
How do QR codes not duplicate?
QR codes are actually created based on their encoding and error correction levels. Different QR code software have different encoding methods or algorithms. Even if you create QR codes with the same link or clone the codes, they will still be different from each other.
Moreover, there are 40 different versions of QR codes. Each version allows an increase in size and the data capacity of the code. In addition, every QR code can hold thousands of characters which can be numeric, alphanumeric or binary.
And with the error correction feature that lets the codes function even while slightly damaged, the number of possible combinations to make a single code is almost too large to grasp.
Now, since every QR code we create is unique from each other, is there an infinite amount of QR codes?
Technically, QR codes are finite but in practical terms, we are way too far from even scratching the surface of the total QR codes that can be created.
How many QR codes can exist? What the math says
Every QR code is made up of squares arranged in a grid.
As stated earlier, there are 40 different versions of QR codes ranging from a 21×21 grid (smallest version) to a 177×177 grid (largest version).
Now, each of these squares can be arranged in many different ways while the code will still be scannable. So imagine the number of different arrangements that can be gotten from just one version!
Most estimates for the total number of valid, scannable QR codes that can be created fall in the range of 10⁷⁰⁰⁰.
To put this into perspective, even if every person on Earth created one new QR code every second, nonstop, it would take us billions of years (10⁶⁹⁸³) to use up that supply.
Duplication vs exhaustion: Where the confusion lies
The actual issue on our hands is not so much about the scarcity of QR codes but on how they are created, used, and managed.
Lots of businesses rely on the static versions of QR codes—which are non-editable and untrackable—with no real management structure in place.
And, this is what creates the impression that too many codes are being created, which makes people fear that they will run out overtime.
QR TIGER’s insight into why we feel like we’re running out of QR codes
According to Benjamin Claeys, CEO of QR TIGER, a leading QR code generator and solutions provider, the problem isn’t the volume of codes created but the usage habits.
Based on their data, a good number of users rely on static QR codes which are permanent, non-editable, and untrackable. These codes pile up over time creating digital clutter and the feeling of overload.
The QR TIGER team advocates for structured code management and use of dynamic QR codes which are editable, trackable, and reusable.
These versions are more efficient and sustainable in the long run, eliminating the need to generate a new one for every update.
The fear of QR code exhaustion often comes from seeing the chaos of duplication and not the limits of the system.
QR TIGER emphasizes that smarter use and better management habits will make a big difference.
The real risk isn’t running out but misuse
Based on the math and insights from QR TIGER, it’s clear the answer to “will we ever run out of QR codes?” is no.
What we should be concerned about instead is poor code management—which can be easily resolved when using a reliable and secure dynamic QR code generator.
