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ECC 200 Code Sizes

Comparison table for Data Matrix ECC 200 code sizes

Data Matrix encodes characters in the form of a bit sequence. The actual size of the code depends on many independent factors. These include:

  • The quantity of data
  • The type of data (numerical, alphanumeric, special characters, etc.)
  • The printing technique - and with it the choice of module size

The module size, i.e. the dimensions of an individual data cell, can, in principle, be freely selected. The structure of the code is not linked to any fixed dimensions. How small a module can be printed is solely dependant on the printing method. Whether the outcome is a readable code is determined by adhering to the specifications for the print quality, which are described in the ISO Standard DIS 16022. In the following table thermal-transfer printers are taken as the reference for the size comparison. However, frequently in data matrix applications direct marking methods are used. Category c) commences from a module size of approx. 0.2 mm. This is a typical value also for direct lettering by means of zero-contact inkjet or laser. In the case of the latter, even significantly smaller module sizes can be achieved. However, in individual cases a check must be made to determine whether the minimum requirements in terms of the contrast can still be satisfied.


Symbol size Data Printer resolution Module size Code size
  num./
alphanum.
300dpi 600dpi   edge length
10x10

Data Matrix Code
6/3 a) 5 dots
b) 4 dots
c)
10 dots
8 dots
5 dots
0.42
0.33
0.21
4.2mm x 4.2mm
3.3mm x 3.3mm
2.1mm x 2.1mm
12x12

Data Matrix Code
10/6 a)
b)
c)
    5mm x 5mm
4mm x 4mm
2.5mm x 2.5mm
14x14

Data Matrix Code
16/10 a)
b)
c)
    5.9mm x 5.9mm
4.6mm x 4.6mm
3mm x 3mm
16x16

Data Matrix Code
24/16 a)
b)
c)
    6.7mm x 6.7mm
5.3mm x 5.3mm
3.4mm x 3.4mm
18x18

Data Matrix Code
36/25 a)
b)
c)
    7.6mm x 7.6mm
6mm x 6mm
3.8mm x 3.8mm
20x20

Data Matrix Code
44/31 a) 5 dots
b) 4 dots
c)
10 dots
8 dots
5 dots
0.42
0.33
0.21
8.4mm x 8.4mm
6.6mm x 6.6mm
4.2mm x 4.2mm
22x22

Data Matrix Code
60/43 a)
b)
c)
    9.2mm x 9.2mm
7.3mm x 7.3mm
4.6mm x 4.6mm
24x24

Data Matrix Code
72/52 a)
b)
c)
    10.1mm x 10.1mm
7.9mm x 7.9mm
5mm x 5mm
26x26

Data Matrix Code
88/64 a)
b)
c)
    10.9mm x 10.9mm
8.6mm x 8.6mm
5.5mm x 5.5mm
32x32

Data Matrix Code
124/91 a)
b)
c)
    13.4mm x 13.4mm
10.6mm x 10.6mm
6.7mm x 6.7mm
36x36

Data Matrix Code
127/127 a)
b)
c)
    15.1mm x 15.1mm
11.9mm x 11.9mm
7.6mm x 7.6mm
40x40

Data Matrix Code
228/169 a)
b)
c)
    16.8mm x 16.8mm
13.2mm x 13.2mm
8.4mm x 8.4mm
44x44

Data Matrix Code
288/214 a)
b)
c)
    18.5mm x 18.5mm
14.5mm x 14.5mm
9.2mm x 9.2mm
48x48

Data Matrix Code
348/259 a)
b)
c)
    20.2mm x 20.2mm
15.8mm x 15.8mm
10.1mm x 10.1mm

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