QRJiffyQR Code vs Barcode: What Is the Difference?
A barcode stores a short number in vertical bars read in one direction; a QR code stores up to 4,296 characters in a square grid read in two directions. This comparison covers capacity, scanners, damage tolerance and when each format fits.
Updated · QRJiffy team
What is the difference between a barcode and a QR code?
The difference is dimension: a barcode encodes data in the widths of bars along one axis, while a QR code encodes data in modules along two axes. Two dimensions give a QR code hundreds of times the capacity of a linear barcode (how QR codes store data). A QR code also carries error correction, so it scans when part of it is damaged. The table compares the two formats.
| Attribute | Linear barcode (UPC/EAN) | QR code |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 1D (bars) | 2D (square modules) |
| Typical capacity | 12–13 digits (UPC-A, EAN-13); about 20–40 characters for Code 128 | Up to 7,089 digits or 4,296 alphanumeric characters |
| Data types | Numbers, limited text | Numbers, text, URLs, binary, kanji |
| Error correction | Check digit only (detects errors) | Reed–Solomon, recovers 7–30% damage |
| Scan direction | Along the bars | Any angle (360°) |
| Scanner | Laser or camera scanner | Any phone camera |
| Standard | GS1 General Specifications | ISO/IEC 18004 |
| Typical use | Retail checkout, inventory | Links, payments, WiFi, contacts, product information |
How much more data does a QR code hold than a barcode?
A QR code holds up to 2,953 bytes, while an EAN-13 barcode holds exactly 13 digits. That difference lets a QR code store a full web address, a WiFi login or a contact card. A linear barcode stores only an identifier, such as a GTIN, that a database must look up.
Is a QR code better than a barcode?
A QR code is better for consumers and information; a barcode is better for fast, high-volume checkout scanning with existing laser scanners. Laser scanners at most tills read only linear barcodes. Phone cameras read QR codes natively since iOS 11 and Android 9. Retailers that want both use one 2D code that serves the checkout and the shopper.
What are the main types of barcodes?
There are 2 main families of barcodes: 1D linear barcodes and 2D matrix codes. Common members of each family:
- 1D linear: UPC-A, EAN-13, Code 128, Code 39, ITF-14.
- 2D matrix: QR code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Aztec Code.
Data Matrix marks small parts and medicine packs, PDF417 appears on driving licences and boarding passes, and Aztec Code appears on train and airline tickets.
Will QR codes replace barcodes on products?
Yes, retail is moving from linear barcodes to 2D codes through the GS1 Sunrise 2027 programme. The target is that checkout scanners in many markets read 2D codes by the end of 2027 (what Sunrise 2027 means for retailers). The GS1 Digital Link QR code generator creates the QR format that carries a GTIN and a product web page in one symbol.
When should you use a barcode instead of a QR code?
Use a linear barcode when an existing laser scanner system must read it, and a QR code when people with phones must read it. Typical choices:
- Barcode: retail price lookup at older tills, warehouse bins, shipping cartons (ITF-14).
- QR code: posters, packaging content, menus, payments, event tickets, WiFi access.
Create a QR code for a link, WiFi network or contact card with the free QRJiffy QR code generator.
Frequently asked questions
Is a QR code a type of barcode?
Yes, a QR code is a two-dimensional (matrix) barcode. “Barcode” is the family name; linear barcodes such as UPC and EAN are one-dimensional members, and QR codes, Data Matrix and PDF417 are two-dimensional members.
Can a phone scan a regular barcode?
Yes, Google Lens and many scanner apps read UPC and EAN barcodes, but the iPhone Camera app does not. A product barcode stores only a number, so the phone shows the number or a product search, not a web page.
Can a QR code replace the barcode on my product?
Yes, a GS1 Digital Link QR code carries the same GTIN as the barcode and also links to a web page. Retailers are moving to these 2D codes at the checkout through the GS1 Sunrise 2027 programme.
Which is cheaper to print, a QR code or a barcode?
Both cost the same to print because both are black-and-white graphics. The real cost difference is the GS1 company prefix needed for a retail GTIN, which applies to both formats.
Sources
- ISO/IEC 18004:2024 — QR Code bar code symbology specification — ISO
- What is a QR Code? — DENSO WAVE (QRcode.com)
- The world of 2D barcodes — GS1 US
- QR code — Wikipedia