๐ท๏ธ JAN / EAN-13 Barcode
JAN code (JIS X 0501) is identical to EAN-13. The first 2โ3 digits are the country code; Japan uses 45 or 49. Enter 12 digits to auto-calculate the check digit.
Generate JAN (EAN-13) barcodes with automatic check digit calculation and validation, so you get a correctly formatted barcode right away. Useful for checking product packaging design or creating sample barcodes for internal use.
How to use
- Enter 12 or 13 digits.
- If you enter 12 digits, the check digit is calculated automatically.
- Download the generated barcode as SVG or PNG.
How the calculation works
Generate a JAN barcode, the Japanese name for EAN-13, as found on retail products. Enter 12 digits and the 13th, the check digit, is calculated and added. If you enter 13 digits, the check digit is verified and an error is shown if it is wrong. Structure of the 13 digits Country prefix (45 or 49 for Japan) + company prefix + item reference + check digit Check digit Add the digits in odd positions (from the left) to three times the sum of the digits in even positions, then subtract the last digit of the total from 10 (0 if it already ends in 0).
Worked example
For 490123456789 Odd positions: 4+0+2+4+6+8 = 24 Even positions: 9+1+3+5+7+9 = 34 โ ร 3 = 102 Total 126 โ last digit 6 โ 10 โ 6 = 4 โ 4901234567894 Book ISBNs (13 digits starting 978) are EAN-13 with the same calculation.
Things to be aware of
- JAN codes for products sold in shops require a company prefix registered with GS1 Japan.
- Too small a barcode will not scan. Keep it between about 80% and 200% of the standard size (37.29 mm wide).
- The 8-digit short form (JAN-8/EAN-8) has its own tool.
FAQ
Do I need to calculate the check digit myself?
No โ enter the first 12 digits and the final check digit is calculated automatically.
Can I use this for a real product barcode?
A JAN code used in actual retail requires a manufacturer code registered through an authority like GS1 Japan. Use this tool for testing or sample purposes.
Is this useful for checking product packaging design?
Yes โ it works well as a placeholder for checking a barcode's appearance and placement during packaging design.
What happens if the check digit I enter is wrong?
If the 13th digit you enter doesn't match the calculated check digit, an error message is shown.
Can I create an original barcode for internal inventory tracking?
It can't be used as a real retail JAN code, but you can generate a barcode from any 12-13 digit number for internal-only tracking purposes.