๐ UPC-A Barcode Generator
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode standard used throughout North America, consisting of 11 data digits plus 1 check digit.
Generate the 12-digit UPC-A barcode standard widely used in North America. The check digit (the final error-detection digit) is calculated and validated automatically, so you can produce a correctly formatted barcode right away.
How to use
- Enter an 11- or 12-digit number.
- If you enter 11 digits, the check digit is calculated automatically.
- Download the generated barcode as SVG or PNG.
How the calculation works
Generate UPC-A, the 12-digit barcode used on products in North America. Enter 11 digits and the 12th, the check digit, is calculated and added. If you enter 12 digits, the check digit is verified. Check digit Multiply the sum of the digits in odd positions (1st, 3rd, โฆ 11th) by 3, add 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). UPC-A is treated as an EAN-13 (JAN) code with a leading 0, so it scans at checkouts in Japan and elsewhere too.
Worked example
For 03600029145 Odd positions: 0+6+0+2+1+5 = 14 โ ร 3 = 42 Even positions: 3+0+0+9+4 = 16 Total 58 โ last digit 8 โ 10 โ 8 = 2 โ 036000291452 As EAN-13 it is 0036000291452.
Things to be aware of
- UPC numbers for real products must be assigned by GS1 (such as GS1 US).
- The first digit shows the number type (0, 1, 6, 7 and 8 for general products, 2 for in-store use, 3 for pharmaceuticals, 5 for coupons and so on).
- The 6-digit compressed UPC-E has its own tool.
FAQ
Whatโs the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13?
UPC-A has 12 digits and is used mainly in North America, while EAN-13 has 13 digits and is used worldwide, including Europe and Japan. Prefixing a UPC-A code with a 0 makes it readable as a valid EAN-13 code.
Can I use this for real product barcodes?
Real commercial UPC codes must be issued by an accredited body such as GS1. This tool is intended for testing and sample purposes.
Do I need to calculate the check digit myself?
No. Enter 11 digits and the final check digit is calculated automatically, using the standard algorithm: (sum of odd positions ร 3 + sum of even positions) mod 10.