How to use the UPC-A generator
- 1
Use your GS1 US number
Take the product number assigned from your GS1 company prefix, or a single GTIN purchased directly from GS1 US.
- 2
Type 11 or 12 digits
With 11 digits the check digit is calculated for you. With 12 digits the generator checks that the last digit is correct.
- 3
Export the artwork
Download SVG or PDF for packaging and labels, or PNG for spec sheets and marketplace listings.
Features
- Enter 11 digits and the check digit is added automatically
- Verifies full 12-digit UPCs before you print
- Adjustable bar width, height, colors and margins
- Vector SVG and PDF plus high-resolution PNG export
- Made locally in your browser, with no account and no watermark
What a UPC-A barcode contains
UPC-A (Universal Product Code, version A) encodes a GTIN-12. It is the standard barcode on consumer goods in the United States and Canada and is read by checkout scanners worldwide. The first digit is the number system character, the next digits are your GS1 company prefix and item reference, and the last digit is a check digit.
A UPC-A is the same number as an EAN-13 with a leading zero. That is why products sold in both North America and Europe can carry a single barcode.
| Leading digit | Typical meaning |
|---|---|
| 0, 1, 6, 7, 8 | Regular products from GS1 US member companies |
| 2 | Random-weight items such as meat and produce, priced in store |
| 3 | Drugs and health products (NDC numbers) |
| 4 | In-store use without format restrictions, such as loyalty cards |
| 5 | Coupons |
UPC-A check digit, step by step
Add the digits in the odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th and so on) and multiply the total by 3. Add the digits in the even positions. Add both results together. The check digit is the amount needed to reach the next multiple of 10. For 01234567890 the result is 5, giving 012345678905.
Print requirements retailers look for
- The nominal size is about 37.3 mm by 25.9 mm (1.469 by 1.02 inches), and it can be scaled from 80 to 200 percent.
- Keep the full bar height. Truncated UPCs are a common reason for retailer chargebacks.
- Keep at least 9 modules of clear space on both sides of the bars.
- Use dark bars on a light, non-reflective background.
- Verify a printed sample with a barcode verifier if your retailer requires a grade report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I get a UPC number?
From GS1 US. You can license a company prefix that covers a range of products, or buy individual GTINs if you only have a few items. Amazon, Walmart and most large retailers verify UPCs against the GS1 database.
What is the difference between UPC-A and UPC-E?
UPC-E is a compressed six-digit version of some UPC-A numbers, meant for very small packages. This tool creates full UPC-A barcodes, which are accepted everywhere UPC-E is.
Can I use this generator for Amazon listings?
Yes, if the number comes from your GS1 prefix. Amazon checks the GTIN against GS1 records, so numbers from unofficial resellers may be flagged. The image itself works the same as one from paid software.
Why does my 12-digit UPC show an error?
The last digit does not match the check digit calculated from the first 11. Re-check the number with your GS1 record, or enter only the first 11 digits to let the tool calculate it.
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- Create Linear Barcodes Online in Every Common FormatPick a symbology, type your value and download a print-ready barcode in seconds. Code 128, EAN-13, UPC-A, Code 39, Code 93, ITF, MSI, ITF-14, Codabar and Pharmacode are all in one studio.