Free EAN-13 Barcode Generator — Create, Preview & Download Instantly

EAN-13 is a 13-digit linear barcode symbology standardized by GS1 and ISO/IEC 15420. It encodes a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN-13) consisting of a GS1 country prefix (2–3 digits), a GS1 company number, a product item reference, and a single Mod 10 check digit. EAN-13 is the dominant retail barcode standard used on consumer product packaging worldwide. It encodes only numeric digits (0–9); no letters or special characters are supported.

The EAN-13 check digit is calculated using the GS1 Mod 10 algorithm. Starting from the leftmost digit, multiply alternating digits by 1 and 3. Sum all the resulting values. Subtract the sum from the next multiple of 10 — the result is the check digit (if the result is 10, the check digit is 0). This generator performs this calculation automatically when you enter 12 digits. You can also enter all 13 digits and the tool will validate whether the check digit is correct.

For products sold through retail channels — physical stores, major online marketplaces, or any supply chain requiring GTIN submission — yes, you must obtain a legitimate GS1 company prefix from your national GS1 organization. Using self-assigned or purchased GTINs from unauthorized resellers violates GS1 standards and can result in barcode conflicts, retailer delisting, and marketplace penalties. For internal use, testing, or non-retail applications, you can use any 13-digit number with a valid check digit.

UPC-A encodes 12 digits and is the traditional North American retail barcode. EAN-13 encodes 13 digits and is the international standard. Every UPC-A barcode is also a valid EAN-13 barcode — simply prepend a leading zero to convert a 12-digit UPC-A to a 13-digit EAN-13 (the check digit remains unchanged). Since 2005, all GS1-compliant POS systems in North America are required to scan EAN-13 barcodes. For new products, EAN-13 is preferred as it works globally without modification.

GS1 specifies a nominal (100% magnification) EAN-13 barcode size of 37.29mm wide × 25.93mm tall, with a minimum quiet zone of 3.63mm on the left and right. The allowed magnification range is 80%–200% of the nominal size. Below 80% (approximately 29.83mm wide), scanner read rates drop significantly. For small packaging, print at the largest size that fits. Always use the SVG download for packaging artwork to ensure the barcode scales correctly to any physical dimension.

Yes. Amazon requires a valid GTIN — either EAN-13 or UPC-A — for most product listings in their catalog. The GTIN must be registered to your GS1 company prefix (or obtained through an authorized GS1 licensee). Amazon cross-checks GTINs against the GS1 database, so self-issued numbers without a valid GS1 prefix will be rejected. Generate your EAN-13 barcodes here once you have a valid GS1-registered GTIN.

Yes. All EAN-13 barcode encoding is performed entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. Your GTIN data is never transmitted to any server and never stored anywhere. Close the browser tab and all data is gone. This tool is safe to use with unreleased product GTINs, internal item codes, and sensitive catalog data.

EAN-13 always encodes exactly 13 numeric digits — no more, no less. If your application requires encoding variable-length or non-numeric data, you need a different barcode symbology such as Code 128 or QR Code. If you need to encode a shorter retail identifier (8 digits), use EAN-8. If you need to add supplemental pricing or issue information to an EAN-13 barcode (common on books and magazines), pair it with an EAN-5 or EAN-2 add-on symbol.