UPC-A Barcode Generator
UPC-A (also known as UPC-12 or GTIN-12) is common in the US because many US companies are issued UPC identifiers and use UPC-A on-pack. UPC and EAN are part of the same GS1 system and are globally accepted — it's not either/or in capability; it's more about your identifier format and retailer requirements. Enter your 12-digit GTIN to generate a barcode.
A 12-digit code, usually issued by GS1. Also known as UPC-12 or GTIN-12. Primarily used in North America.
What does this barcode do?
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) encodes a 12-digit product identifier — also called UPC-12 or GTIN-12. It's the dominant retail barcode in North America. US companies typically receive 12-digit UPCs from GS1 and encode them as UPC-A for on-pack labels, so products can be scanned at checkout.
UPC-A and EAN-13 are part of the same GS1 system. Many scanners read both. The main difference is length: UPC-A is 12 digits, EAN-13 is 13. If your product has a 12-digit GTIN (or a UPC), use UPC-A. Leading zeros are allowed. The choice between UPC-A and EAN-13 is driven by how you obtain your identifiers and what retailers require, not by technical limits.
FAQ
- What is UPC-A?
- UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode used for retail products. It is also known as UPC-12 or GTIN-12. Many US companies are issued UPC identifiers and use UPC-A on-pack.
- How many digits does UPC-A need?
- UPC-A requires exactly 12 digits. Leading zeros are allowed (e.g. 012345678901).
- UPC-A vs EAN-13?
- UPC-A is 12 digits; EAN-13 is 13 digits. Both are part of the same GS1 system and globally accepted. The choice is about your identifier format and retailer requirements, not capability.
Other Common Barcode Types
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