EAN-13 Barcode Generator
Generate EAN-13 barcodes for retail products. Enter 12 digits — the check digit is calculated automatically.
Last updated: April 2026 · Runs in your browser · No sign-up
Anatomy of an EAN-13
- Digits 1–3: GS1 country prefix (e.g. 400–440 = Germany, 500–509 = UK).
- Digits 4–8 or 4–9: manufacturer code (assigned by GS1).
- Digits 9–12 or 10–12: product code (assigned by the manufacturer).
- Digit 13: check digit.
Nominal print size is 37.29 × 25.93 mm at 100% magnification. Scale 80–200% for different packaging; below 80% reliability drops.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between EAN-13 and UPC?
UPC-A is a 12-digit US standard; EAN-13 is the 13-digit global standard (essentially UPC with a leading country code). Modern scanners read both.
How is the check digit calculated?
Sum odd-position digits, multiply even-position digits by 3, sum those, add together. The check digit is whatever makes the total a multiple of 10.
Can I invent my own EAN codes?
For in-house use, yes — use the 020–029 prefix range reserved for internal codes. For retail sale, you need a registered GS1 prefix (not free).
Why are some digits at the bottom?
The first digit is encoded in the parity pattern of the left six digits, not as bars directly. It appears below the code, outside the main bar area.