Fact Check: Are qr codes infinite?

Are QR Codes Infinite?

Introduction

The claim that "QR codes are infinite" suggests that the potential combinations of QR codes are so vast that they can be considered practically limitless. This assertion raises questions about the underlying mathematics and technology of QR codes, as well as their practical applications and limitations.

What We Know

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, were invented in 1994 by Denso Wave and are designed to store information in a two-dimensional matrix format. The capacity of a QR code varies based on its version and error correction level. For instance, a standard QR code can store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters, which translates into trillions of unique combinations when considering different configurations and error correction levels 1 6 7.

Capacity: The maximum number of unique QR codes is theoretically vast. For example, a QR code of the largest version (177x177 modules) can store a significant amount of data, leading to an enormous number of potential combinations 1 7.
Practical Limitations: While the theoretical number of combinations is immense, practical limitations such as the need for unique URLs or data points may affect how many QR codes are actually generated and used 2 6.
Mathematical Perspective: Some sources argue that QR codes can be generated endlessly due to their digital nature, suggesting that while they are not infinite in a strict mathematical sense, the practical limitations are negligible 4 6.

Analysis

The claim that QR codes are "infinite" is rooted in the concept of combinatorial mathematics. The sources discussing this claim present a range of perspectives:

Supporting Sources: Articles from Scanova and ME-QR emphasize the vast potential of QR codes, arguing that the number of possible combinations far exceeds current usage, making the likelihood of running out negligible 1 8. These sources are generally reliable, as they are published by companies that specialize in QR code generation and marketing, though they may have a vested interest in promoting QR codes.
Contradicting Perspectives: Other sources, such as the New Scientist, provide a more measured view, suggesting that while QR codes have a large number of permutations, they are not truly infinite and may be subject to recycling in certain contexts 5. This source is credible and well-regarded in the scientific community, providing a balanced perspective.
Methodological Concerns: The methodologies used in calculating the number of possible QR codes are not always transparent. For example, some articles do not specify how they arrive at their figures or the assumptions made regarding error correction and data storage 2 3. This lack of clarity can lead to overstatements about the "infinity" of QR codes.
Potential Conflicts of Interest: Sources that promote QR code generation tools may have an inherent bias, as their business models depend on the continued use and popularity of QR codes. This could influence how they present the information regarding QR code capacity 1 8.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The assertion that QR codes are "infinite" is partially true when considering the vast number of potential combinations that can be generated. The theoretical capacity of QR codes is indeed immense, with the possibility of trillions of unique codes based on various configurations and error correction levels. However, this claim does not hold up under scrutiny when considering practical limitations, such as the actual need for unique codes and the potential for recycling existing codes.

It is important to note that while the number of combinations is extraordinarily high, it is not infinite in a strict mathematical sense. The evidence suggests that while QR codes can be generated in large quantities, practical constraints may limit their usage. Additionally, the methodologies used to calculate these combinations are not always transparent, which introduces uncertainty into the claims made by various sources.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider both the theoretical and practical aspects of QR code generation. The landscape of QR codes is complex, and while the potential appears vast, it is essential to remain aware of the limitations and biases that may influence the discussion.

Sources

Scanova. "Will We Ever Run Out of QR Codes? Find the Truth in 2025!" Link
QR Code UK. "How Many QR Code Combinations are Possible?" Link
The QR Code Generator Community. "How many qr codes are possible? Can we create infinite qr codes?" Link
Medium. "The Future of QR Codes: A Mathematical Perspective on Infinite Potential." Link
New Scientist. "Are there limitless permutations of QR codes, or are they recycled?" Link
The QR Code Generator Community. "Is it possible to create infinite unique qr codes without running out?" Link
ME-QR. "How Many Unique QR Codes Are Possible?" Link
ME-QR. "How Many QR Codes Are There? Exploring Infinite Possibilities." Link
MetaFilter. "How many unique QR codes are possible? - QRcode math." Link
Scanova. "How Many QR Codes are Possible: Your Best Guide For 2025." Link