๐ท๏ธ UPC-E Barcode Generator
UPC-E is a space-saving barcode symbology that compresses a 12-digit UPC-A code down to 6 significant digits using zero suppression, commonly used on small product packaging.
Generate a UPC-E barcode, a space-saving compressed symbology derived from the standard 12-digit UPC-A, commonly used on small product packaging. Accepts either 7 digits (a number-system digit plus a 6-digit code, with the check digit calculated automatically) or 8 digits (including an explicit check digit).
How to use
- Enter a 7- or 8-digit number.
- The check digit is validated (or calculated automatically), and the barcode is shown if valid.
- Download the generated barcode as SVG or PNG.
How the calculation works
Generate UPC-E, a shortened form of the 12-digit UPC-A for small products. It uses โzero suppressionโ, dropping zeros in set positions of the UPC-A number so only six digits are printed. Input is 8 digits: a number system digit (0 or 1), six digits and a check digit. Enter 7 digits and the check digit is calculated; enter 8 and it is verified. The check digit is calculated by expanding the UPC-E back to its 12-digit UPC-A and applying the UPC-A method. Scanners also treat it as the original UPC-A.
Worked example
โ0123456โ โ check digit 5 โ โ01234565โ (the original UPC-A is 012345000065) Zero suppression only works for numbers with runs of zeros in the right places; not every UPC-A can be written as UPC-E.
Things to be aware of
- No barcode is made for an 8-digit number with a wrong check digit.
- Used on small North American products such as canned drinks and snacks.
- Short barcodes on Japanese products use EAN-8 (short JAN), not UPC-E.
FAQ
What's the difference between UPC-E and UPC-A?
UPC-A is the standard 12-digit barcode, while UPC-E is compressed down to 6 significant digits using a technique called zero suppression, making it easier to print on small product packaging.
Should I enter 7 or 8 digits?
Enter 7 digits (a 1-digit number system code plus a 6-digit code) and the check digit (8th digit) is calculated automatically. If you already know the check digit, enter all 8 digits and it will be validated.
Can a UPC-E barcode be converted back to UPC-A?
Yes โ UPC-E is generated from a UPC-A number using a defined zero-suppression rule, and scanners can expand it back to the original UPC-A form when reading it.