How to Choose a QR Code Error-Correction Level (L/M/Q/H)

QR codes include error correction so they can still be read with some dirt or damage. The four levels you pick when generating — L, M, Q, H — set this recovery power. This guide explains the differences and how to choose by use case.

What the level means

The error-correction level is the amount of redundant data stored in the code. More redundancy lets the reader reconstruct damaged areas, raising the success rate. But more redundancy makes the code denser, so the same information takes a larger code.

Approximate recovery by level

• L (Low): recovers up to ~7%. Simplest code. Good for on-screen use with low damage risk
• M (Medium): recovers up to ~15%. A balanced default that works in most cases
• Q (Quartile): recovers up to ~25%. For print or places where some dirt is expected
• H (High): recovers up to ~30%. For outdoor signage or logo overlays where robustness matters

Recommendations by use case

For on-screen codes read on the spot, L or M is plenty. Printed flyers and business cards benefit from M–Q to survive scuffs and folds. For outdoor posters or stickers exposed to wear, choose Q–H. When overlaying a logo in the center, H is recommended to compensate for the hidden area.

Caution: the downside of going too high

Picking H is not automatically safer. Higher levels make the code denser, which can hurt readability when printed small. This matters especially when the payload (URL length) is large. A practical approach is to start with M and step up only if the environment is hard to scan.

Our QR code generator lets you switch L/M/Q/H and set foreground/background colors, and it warns you when contrast is too low. Verify your code with the QR code reader to be sure it scans.