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How to find a QR Code Version Number
By James Bell · Updated April 2025
The “version” of a QR code refers to the density of the code. It is determined by the amount of modules (black squares) needed to hold the link. Shorter links take fewer modules resulting in simpler QR codes, while longer links require more modules and a more complex QR code.
Version 1
21 x 21 Modules
Version 4
33 x 33 Modules
To find the version number of a QR code simply use the tool below, or you can scroll down to find out how to identify versions on your own.
QR Code Version Reader
Upload a JPG or PNG of your QR code to get the version number.
Peace of mind: Scanned QR codes are NOT shared or saved in any way.
Note: Photos with poor lighting and highly customized codes may have issues, .
Understanding QR Code Versions
QR Code versions start at Version 1 which is 21×21 modules. Each step up in version number increases the modules in a row or column by 4. So version 2 is 25×25, Version 3 is 29×29, and so on – going all the way up to the whopping Version 40 (177×177).
The version number can be important to know as it can impact the minimum size needed for a QR code to be scanned easily (see the calculator). Codes with higher version numbers are more complex and need to be larger.
Version 121 x 21 Markers Typically holds 1 – 16 characters. |
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Version 225 x 25 Markers Typically holds 17 – 29 characters. |
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Version 329 x 29 Markers Typically holds 30 – 47 characters. |
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Version 433 x 33 Markers Typically holds 48 – 67 characters. |
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Note: It’s more complicated than this, but this covers the basics for an average joe (like me). The chart assumes alphanumeric characters and quartile error correction.
How to find a QR “Version” yourself
If you don’t use the reader above, the only way to tell the version of a QR code is to count the number of modules in a row or column. The example below is a “Version 1” QR code which is 21 x 21 markers:
This is easy enough for versions 1-5, but can get pretty tricky.
Tip: The big alignment squares that are in 3 corners are 7 markers each – so you can just count the spaces between them and add 14 to make it easier.
