How to make an EAN-13 barcode
- Type the first 12 digits of your EAN. We'll calculate the 13th check digit. If you enter all 13, we'll confirm the check digit is right.
- Download the SVG for packaging artwork or the 4× PNG for labels, or print directly.
Selling in stores or on Amazon? This tool draws a barcode for any number you type, but it can't give you an official product number. Retail UPC and EAN numbers come from GS1, and big retailers and marketplaces check codes against GS1's records. See how to get a real UPC code.
EAN-13 vs UPC-A
| EAN-13 | UPC-A | |
|---|---|---|
| Digits | 13 | 12 |
| Main region | Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, Oceania | US and Canada |
| Standard size | 37.29 × 25.93 mm | 37.29 × 25.93 mm |
| Issued by | Your national GS1 organisation | GS1 US / GS1 Canada |
If you sell into both North America and the rest of the world, one GS1 number works in both systems. US retailers' scanners read EAN-13 codes too.
EAN-8 for small packages
EAN-8 is a shorter 8-digit code for products too small for a full EAN-13, like cosmetics or confectionery. EAN-8 numbers are issued separately by GS1. Choose EAN-8 in the main barcode generator to make one.
Frequently asked questions
How many digits does an EAN-13 have?
13. The first 12 are the GS1 prefix, company number and item number; the 13th is a check digit. Enter 12 digits and we'll add it.
Is EAN-13 the same as a UPC?
They're closely related. A 12-digit UPC-A is an EAN-13 with a leading zero. Retailers outside the US and Canada use EAN-13, and modern scanners everywhere read both.
Can I make an ISBN barcode for a book?
Yes. A 13-digit ISBN is an EAN-13 starting with 978 or 979. Type the ISBN without dashes. Book retailers often also want a 5-digit price add-on, which this tool doesn't make.
What do the first three digits of an EAN mean?
They're the GS1 prefix, which shows which GS1 member organisation issued the company number (for example 500–509 for the UK, 400–440 for Germany). It doesn't always mean where the product was made.