Reference · FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about the Quick Response Code, drawn from the materials collected across this reference.
What is a Quick Response Code?
A Quick Response Code is a two-dimensional matrix symbology, invented in 1994 by Denso Wave and standardized as ISO/IEC 18004, designed for rapid decoding from any orientation.
What does QR stand for?
In the term Quick Response Code, QR is an initialism for Quick Response — the design objective Denso Wave recorded for the symbology in 1994.
Who invented the Quick Response Code?
The Quick Response Code was developed by a team led by Masahiro Hara at Denso Wave, a subsidiary of the Denso Corporation, and released in 1994.
What is the difference between Quick Response Code and QR Code?
Quick Response Code is the full descriptive term for the symbology. QR Code is a registered trademark held by Denso Wave referring to the same symbology.
What standard governs the Quick Response Code?
The current normative reference is ISO/IEC 18004:2015. The Japanese national standard is JIS X 0510. AIM BC11 was the first English-language normative reference.
What is the maximum data a Quick Response Code can carry?
At Version 40 with error-correction level L, a symbol can carry up to 7,089 numeric characters, 4,296 alphanumeric characters, 2,953 bytes, or 1,817 kanji characters.
How many error-correction levels does the Quick Response Code define?
Four: L (≈ 7% recoverable), M (≈ 15%), Q (≈ 25%), and H (≈ 30%).
What encoding modes does the Quick Response Code support?
Four primary modes: numeric, alphanumeric, byte, and kanji. Extended Channel Interpretation permits alternative character encodings in byte mode.
Is the Quick Response Code patented?
Denso Wave holds the QR Code trademark but does not assert patent rights against use of the symbology, which has permitted its global adoption.