Glossary
Micro QR code
Micro QR is a smaller variant defined in the same standard, ranging from 11 × 11 to 17 × 17 modules with a single finder pattern and a two-module quiet zone. It holds far less data but fits where a standard code cannot.
The four sizes
| Type | Modules | Max numeric | Max byte |
|---|---|---|---|
| M1 | 11 × 11 | 5 | — |
| M2 | 13 × 13 | 10 | — |
| M3 | 15 × 15 | 23 | 9 |
| M4 | 17 × 17 | 35 | 15 |
M1 and M2 support numeric and alphanumeric only.
Differences from standard QR
One finder pattern instead of three. Quiet zone of two modules instead of four. Reduced error-correction options. No structured append.
Where it is used
Electronic components, small medical devices, jewellery tags — anywhere the marking area is a few millimetres. Support on phone cameras is inconsistent; industrial scanners handle it reliably. Do not choose Micro QR for anything a consumer will scan.
Related
- rMQR code — rMQR is a rectangular QR variant standardised in ISO/IEC 23941 (2022). It carries more data than Micro QR in a long, thin footprint, which suits cable…
- Version — A QR code's version is its size: version 1 is 21 × 21 modules and each step adds 4 modules per side, up to version 40 at 177 × 177. The encoder picks the…
- Quiet zone — The quiet zone is the blank margin around a QR code. The specification requires at least four modules of clear space on every side, and codes fail more…