1. A method of estimating an X-dimension of a machine-readable symbol having a recognition pattern that includes elements comprising bars and spaces, said method proceeding from a boundary between two of the elements of the machine-readable symbol, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a plurality of sampling paths across a particular one of the elements at the boundary; determining a median path length across the particular one of the elements out of each of the plurality of sampling paths; repeating said selection of a plurality of sampling paths and said determination of the median path length for each of the elements of the recognition pattern; and estimating the X-dimension of the machine-readable symbol based on the minimum path length for at least some of the elements.