How many LEGO pieces does a QR code take?

A QR code is a grid of modules, and the naive approach is one 1×1 plate per dark module. That works, but it is the most expensive and most tedious way to build one — a 29×29 code has 841 modules, and roughly half of them are dark.

brickcodes runs a fewest-plates packer instead. It merges neighbouring dark modules into the largest pieces that fit, drawing from sizes between 1×1 and 2×6. Long runs along a row become a single 1×8 or 1×6; solid squares become 2×2 or 2×4. The result is usually a fraction of the 1×1 count, and it is far quicker to build.

1. How much you encode. Payload length decides the QR version, and the version decides the grid: 21×21, 25×25 or 29×29 on a 32×32 baseplate. A short link produces a smaller symbol with fewer dark modules than a long one, so shortening a URL is the single most effective way to cut the count.

2. The error correction level. Sturdier codes carry more redundant data, which can push the symbol up a version. brickcodes tries the most robust level first and keeps the strongest one that still fits your baseplate, so you get the most scannable code available at that size.

3. The element you build with. Tiles, plates and bricks can all be merged into larger sizes. Round 1×1 plates cannot — they are 1×1 only, so that style always uses one piece per dark module. It looks great, and it is comfortably the priciest option.

As soon as you enter a link or scan a code, brickcodes shows three live figures: plates (how many pieces you will place), studs (the area they cover), and types (how many distinct sizes to order). Switch element or color and they update instantly, so you can trade a cheaper build against the look you want before committing.

When you are happy, export it as a BrickLink wanted list and the quantities carry straight over to your cart.

Every build sits on a single 32×32 baseplate, which is counted separately from the plate total and included in the BrickLink export. One baseplate covers any code that fits, so it is a fixed cost no matter how large your symbol turns out to be.