How to create a UPC barcode
- Choose UPC-A for normal packs, or UPC-E if your pack is too small and your number qualifies for compression.
- For UPC-A, enter 11 digits; the 12th check digit is added.
- For UPC-E, enter 7 digits starting with 0 or 1; the check digit is added.
- Download and print at 100% (UPC-A is about 37 × 26 mm at nominal size).
UPC-A vs UPC-E
- UPC-A
- 12 digits: number system, company prefix, item number and check digit.
- UPC-E
- An 8-digit compressed form of certain UPC-A numbers with many zeros. Only some numbers can be compressed; your GS1 US number tells you if it qualifies.
Where UPC is used
US and Canadian retail
Required by most North American retailers.
Small packs
UPC-E fits on cosmetics, gum and small bottles.
Rules
- Generating a barcode does not register a product number. Barcodes sold through retailers need numbers issued to your company by GS1 (or your country’s GS1 office).
- Do not reduce bar height to fit a label; scale the whole barcode instead.
Questions people ask
Can I sell UPC products outside North America?
Yes. Scanners worldwide read UPC-A as an EAN-13 with a leading zero.
Why does my UPC-E check digit differ from what I expected?
UPC-E’s check digit is calculated from its expanded UPC-A form. The tool does this for you.
Last updated 11 October 2026 by the QRizeo team.