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UPC-A Barcode Generator
Generate UPC-A barcodes, the standard barcode format used on retail products in the United States and Canada. UPC-A encodes 12 digits (11 data digits plus one automatic check digit) and is scanned billions of times daily at point-of-sale terminals worldwide.
Customize
Preview
Enter a value to generate your barcode
Specifications
- Digits
- 12 (11 data + 1 check digit)
- Character Set
- Numeric only (0-9)
- Length
- Fixed (exactly 12 digits)
- Check Digit
- Modulo 10 (automatic)
- Standard
- GS1 US / ISO/IEC 15420
- Region
- North America (US, Canada)
Use Cases
- Retail products sold in the United States and Canada
- Grocery and supermarket items
- Consumer electronics packaging
- Health and beauty products
- Amazon and online marketplace product listings
- Warehouse club and wholesale items
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a UPC-A barcode?
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode used to identify retail products in North America. It contains a company prefix assigned by GS1 US and a product number assigned by the manufacturer.
How do I get a UPC code for my product?
Register with GS1 US (gs1us.org) to get a company prefix. Annual fees start around $250. Once you have a prefix, you assign unique product numbers for each of your products.
Do I need a UPC to sell on Amazon?
Yes. Amazon requires a valid GS1-registered UPC for most product listings. Amazon verifies UPCs against the GS1 database, so third-party purchased codes may not work.
Can I use UPC-A outside North America?
Yes. UPC-A barcodes can be scanned globally. Every UPC-A is also a valid EAN-13 with a leading zero. Most international retailers accept UPC-A barcodes.
What is the difference between UPC-A and UPC-E?
UPC-A uses 12 digits and is the standard format. UPC-E is a compressed 8-digit version used on small packages. UPC-E is derived from UPC-A by suppressing zeros.
How many digits should I enter?
Enter 11 digits. The 12th digit (check digit) is calculated automatically. If you enter all 12 digits, the generator will validate the check digit for you.
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