How much data can a barcode hold?

Variable-length symbologies can be used to encode only a few characters, if desired, while 2-D codes encode thousands of characters. The data capacity of variable-length bar codes is limited by the size of the symbol, which is in turn limited by the ability of the bar code reader. For reference, a standard U.P.C./EAN symbol encodes 14 numeric digits. Many bar code applications in warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, and inventory control require a serial number of similar length, which many common symbologies can easily encode into a compact symbol.