Techniques for encoding and decoding data are described. In an aspect, multiple code rates for a forward error correction (FEC) code may be supported, and a suitable code rate may be selected based on packet size. A transmitter may obtain at least one threshold to use for code rate selection, determine a packet size to use for data transmission, and select a code rate from among the multiple code rates based on the packet size and the at least one threshold. In another aspect, multiple FEC codes of different types (e.g., Turbo, LDPC, and convolutional codes) may be supported, and a suitable FEC code may be selected based on packet size. The transmitter may obtain at least one threshold to use for FEC code selection and may select an FEC code from among the multiple FEC codes based on the packet size and the at least one threshold.