How many unique QR codes can exist?

A QR code can store a lot of information, but have you ever wondered how many unique QR codes can exist? It's a valid concern considering their increasing popularity and usage.

However, it's unlikely we'll run out of unique QR codes anytime soon due to just how many combinations are possible.

Think about it this way: A large QR code (177×177 modules) can store about 15,000 bits of information. Each bit can be 0 or 1, which means there are 2^15,000 possible ways to arrange those bits.

To grasp how huge that number is, remember that 10^80 is a common estimate for the total number of atoms in the universe. Since 2^15,000 is far larger than 10^80, it means there are vastly more possible QR codes than atoms.

Even if every person on Earth produced thousands of new QR codes daily for millions of years, the sheer number of unique QR codes is so vast that it’s practically impossible to run out.

Storage capacity limitations

Although there are plenty of possible combinations, that doesn't mean you can store very large files directly in a QR code.

Smaller QR codes, like the 21×21 version, can easily hold a website link or brief text. As the code grows larger, it can accommodate more complex data, including longer text, Wi-Fi credentials, or detailed contact information.

However, if you need to include large amounts of data in a standard QR code, it's more practical to store the file in a server and use the QR code to link to it instead. That way, you can fit it within the code’s limits and even update the file later without needing to change the QR code itself.

Conclusion

In everyday use, we’re unlikely to ever run out of unique QR codes. Their capacity to store data, combined with robust error correction, means they will continue to be a reliable, flexible way to share information—no matter how large or small the need may be.