QR Code vs Barcode: What Is the Difference?
QR code vs barcode: a barcode such as a UPC stores a short number in one row of bars, while a QR code stores up to thousands of characters in a square grid that phone cameras read. This guide compares what each holds, how they are scanned and how they handle errors, and when to use each.
By the Barcode.codes editorial teamReviewed
What Is the Difference Between a QR Code and a Barcode?
A barcode in the everyday sense is a 1D row of bars that holds a short number or text, while a QR code is a 2D grid that holds much more and is read as an image.
| Property | 1D barcode (UPC-A, Code 128) | QR code |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | Bars and spaces in one row | A square grid of modules |
| Data | UPC-A: 12 digits; Code 128: short text | Up to 7,089 digits or 2,953 bytes |
| Read by | Laser and image scanners | Image scanners and phone cameras |
| Errors | A check digit detects a misread | Reed-Solomon restores about 7% to 30% of the codewords |
| Orientation | Read across the bars | Any rotation, even mirrored |
| Typical content | A product number or an internal code | A web address, Wi-Fi details, a contact |
A QR Code Is a Barcode Too
GS1's standard calls QR Code a two-dimensional barcode symbology, so the comparison is really 1D against 2D. Everyday speech keeps the word barcode for the bars on products.
Which Holds More Data?
A QR code: a linear barcode grows wider with every character, while a QR code grows in both directions and packs far more into the same area.
The web address in the figure makes a Code 128 barcode 277 modules wide, while the QR code is 25 modules on each side. A UPC-A holds one 12-digit number; a QR code at its largest holds 7,089 digits.
Which One Do Stores and Phones Read?
Store checkouts are built around UPC and EAN barcodes, while phones read QR codes with their cameras; only image-based scanners read both.
At the Checkout
GS1's standard requires an EAN/UPC barcode on items scanned at retail checkouts. GS1's guideline for 2D barcodes at retail describes a voluntary transition in which the 2D code is added and the linear barcode is kept.
GS1 Sunrise 2027 explained the move to 2D barcodes at retail checkouts.
On a Phone
The iPhone Camera app opens QR codes on its own, and Apple's guide names QR codes for it. A product barcode needs a scanner app or a web scanner such as the one on Barcode.codes, which reads both in the browser.
With a Hardware Scanner
GS1 notes that laser scanners read linear barcodes but not 2D ones; 2D imagers and camera-based scanners read both. Check which kind your scanner is before you print QR codes for it.
When to Use a QR Code and When a Barcode
Choose by who scans the code and what it must hold: a barcode for numbers that tills and warehouse scanners read, a QR code for content that people open on a phone.
Use a Barcode When
- the code is a product number for retail checkouts: a UPC-A or EAN-13 with a GTIN.
- your scanners are laser scanners, which read linear barcodes only.
- the data is a short code such as a SKU, a bin or an asset tag, in Code 128.
Barcode generator draws 23 barcode types, UPC, EAN and Code 128 among them.
Use a QR Code When
- people will scan it with a phone to open a page, join a Wi-Fi network or save a contact.
- the content is too long for a linear barcode.
- the code may get scratched, since error correction can restore part of it.
QR code generator makes QR codes for links, Wi-Fi, contacts and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a QR Code Replace the UPC on a Product?
Not under GS1's current rules: items scanned at retail checkouts need an EAN/UPC barcode. GS1's 2D guideline describes adding a QR code with a GS1 Digital Link, or a GS1 DataMatrix, next to it.
Can a Barcode Scanner Read QR Codes?
Only an image-based one. Laser scanners read linear barcodes only, while 2D imagers and camera-based scanners read QR codes too.
Can My Phone Scan a Normal Barcode?
Yes, with a scanner app or a web scanner: the Barcode.codes scanner reads UPC, EAN, Code 128 and other linear barcodes with the phone's camera, in the browser.
Sources
The facts in this guide come from these sources, checked on October 8, 2026; the widths are measured with the generator's encoder.
GS1 General Specifications, Release 26.0, ratified January 2026 defines the GS1 identification keys, barcodes and Application Identifiers; the text names the sections used.
GS1 2D barcodes at retail point-of-sale implementation guideline, release 1.1.0, December 2025 describes the voluntary transition, keeping the linear barcode, and placement.
Apple iPhone User Guide: Scan a QR code describes reading QR codes with the iPhone Camera app.
DENSO WAVE: QR Code error correction feature gives the share of codewords each QR error correction level can restore.
Related Barcode Guides
- What is a QR code?
How QR codes work, what they hold and how to scan one.
- Data Matrix vs QR code
Size, capacity and error correction of the two 2D codes.
- Types of barcodes
Every 1D and 2D barcode type, what it holds and where it is used.
- GS1 Sunrise 2027 explained
2D barcodes at checkout and what to print.
- Code 128 vs Code 39
Character sets, width and check characters of the two label barcodes.