QR code · M1–M4
Micro QR code
A compact QR variant with one finder pattern, for very short payloads.
Key facts
| Versions | M1–M4 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 11×11 to 17×17 modules |
| Finder patterns | One |
| Max numeric capacity | 35 digits in M4-L |
| Error correction | Reduced level set versus full QR |
| Scanner support | Limited compared with full QR |
What is different
Micro QR removes two of the three finder patterns and most of the alignment overhead, so even the smallest version is usable in a tiny area. The trade-off is capacity and error correction: M1 carries digits only, and the larger versions still hold far less than a full QR symbol.
When to avoid it
Phone cameras and consumer apps are optimized for full QR codes. Micro QR is a better fit for labels read by dedicated industrial scanners and for packaging where millimeters matter. For anything a customer scans with a phone, use a normal QR symbol.
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone scan Micro QR?
Some can, many cannot. Support is inconsistent across camera apps, so it is a poor choice for public-facing codes.
How much data fits?
At most 35 numeric digits in M4 at level L, and less for other modes or higher correction.
Is Micro QR a different standard?
It is part of the same ISO/IEC 18004 family but a distinct symbol model with its own constraints.