How does the EAN-13 check digit differ from UPC-A?

Both use a modulo-10 algorithm, but the weights are applied in the opposite order. For EAN-13, even-position digits (positions 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) are multiplied by 3 and odd-position digits by 1. For UPC-A it is the reverse. Both produce a single check digit using the same (10 − (sum mod 10)) mod 10 formula.

Is EAN-13 the same as GTIN-13?

Yes. GS1 rebranded all its barcode standards under the GTIN (Global Trade Item Number) umbrella. An EAN-13 and a GTIN-13 represent the same 13-digit number. Modern inventory and e-commerce systems often use "GTIN" to refer to both.

What causes an EAN-13 to fail at retail checkout?

The most common causes are: an incorrect check digit, printing below 80% of nominal size, insufficient quiet zone, low print contrast (grey bars on a grey background), and leading-zero loss (e.g. printing 12 digits instead of 13 because a spreadsheet stripped the leading zero).

Can I generate EAN-13 barcodes in bulk?

Yes — Batch Label Studio Pro imports a CSV or XLSX file and generates EAN-13 labels for every row. Check digits are calculated automatically for 12-digit inputs and validated for 13-digit inputs.

Free EAN-13 Barcode Generator

Generate EAN-13 barcodes for international retail products. Enter 12 digits — the check digit is calculated and appended automatically. Download PNG or SVG. All processing runs locally in your browser; nothing is uploaded.

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Code Format

Barcode Value

Input: BATCH-001

Batch Label Studio creates a barcode image from the number you provide. It does not issue or register UPC, EAN, GTIN, or GS1 identifiers. You are responsible for obtaining any identifier required by your retailer, distributor, or standards organization.

Label Layout

Label Size / Template

Product Name (Optional)

Description (Optional)

Barcode Width80% · 53.3 mm

66.7 × 25.4 mm2.63 × 1.00 in

Export & Print

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12-digit mode vs 13-digit mode

This generator accepts both 12-digit and 13-digit input:

12 digits — the check digit is calculated automatically and the complete 13-digit barcode is rendered.
13 digits — the check digit is validated. If it does not match the expected value, an error is shown. Use the check digit calculator to find the correct check digit.

EAN-13 structure

An EAN-13 barcode has 13 digits structured as follows:

Digits	Component	Notes
1–3	GS1 Prefix	Assigned to the brand owner's country GS1 organisation (not the country the product was made in)
4–12	Company + item code	Specific allocation depends on company prefix length (GS1 assigns 7–11 digit prefixes)
13	Check Digit	Calculated from digits 1–12 using alternating weights 1 and 3

EAN-13 and international retail

EAN-13 is the mandatory barcode standard for consumer products sold in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and most international markets. A UPC-A (12-digit) code is a subset of EAN-13 — it is equivalent to an EAN-13 with a leading zero. Any point-of-sale scanner that reads EAN-13 also reads UPC-A automatically.

If you plan to sell in both North American and international markets, obtaining an EAN-13 from GS1 provides a single barcode that works everywhere. UPC-A alone may be rejected by some international retailers.

GS1 disclaimer: This tool calculates check digits and renders barcode images for any digit sequence you provide. It does not assign, license, or register official product numbers. For products sold through major retailers, you must obtain a GS1 company prefix from GS1 US or your national GS1 member organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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