QR code URL length: how a long link grows the code
Paste a link and see its QR code next to the same code for a short link: version, module count, and the smallest print size that still scans.
Showing an example link. Paste your own to compare.
Your link as it is
https://www.example-store.com/collections/summer-2026/linen-shirts?color=sand&size=m&utm_source=instagram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=summer_launch&utm_content=story_02
- Characters
- 171
- Version
- 9 of 40
- Modules
- 53 × 53
- Smallest print
- 6.4 cm (2.5 in)
The same link, shortened
aqr.li/k7Pq2x
- Characters
- 13
- Version
- 1 of 40
- Modules
- 21 × 21
- Smallest print
- 2.5 cm (1.0 in)
How the size is worked out
Scanning distance divided by ten, scaled by the number of modules (a 25-module code is the baseline). The sizes are for the pattern only; add a clear margin of four modules on every side. The size calculator lets you set any distance.
Why links grow
Campaign tags, share IDs and long product paths add characters, and every few characters can push the code up a version, four more modules a side. Remove tracking you do not need with the URL cleaner, or keep it on the destination behind a short link.
Paste the link you want to put in a QR code.
See its code next to the code for a short aqr.li link, with version, modules and minimum print size for each.
Pick where it will be scanned from, then shorten the link if the long code is too big.
Questions
How long can a URL in a QR code be?+
A QR code holds up to 2,331 bytes at the usual error correction, so about 2,300 plain characters. Long before that the code gets so dense it needs to be printed large and scans slowly.
Why does a longer link make a bigger QR code?+
More characters need more modules, the squares in the pattern. At the same print size, more modules means smaller squares, which the camera needs to be closer to read.
What is a QR code version?+
The size of the grid, from version 1 (21 × 21 modules) to version 40 (177 × 177). Each version adds four modules a side.
How short is a short link in a code?+
An aqr.li link is 13 characters, which fits in the smallest QR code, version 1 with 21 × 21 modules.
How is the minimum print size worked out?+
Scanning distance divided by ten, scaled by the module count, the same rule as the QR code size calculator. Add a clear margin of four modules on every side.
More free tools
The next step
Make the code the artwork.
These tools make and check classic codes. AriaQR turns your photo, logo or illustration into the code itself, verified on real decoders before you download, with a link you can edit and track.
