What is UPC-A?

UPC-A is the 12-digit barcode on retail products in the United States and Canada. Its digits are a GTIN-12: a GS1 company prefix and an item reference, followed by a check digit calculated from the other eleven. The first digit is printed to the left of the bars and the check digit to the right. A UPC-A number is an EAN-13 number with a leading zero, so checkouts around the world read it too.

Tool description

Enter 11 digits and the tool calculates the check digit and draws the barcode, with the digits under the bars in the usual UPC-A layout. Enter all 12 and it checks the last one, so a mistyped number shows an error instead of a barcode. Change the bar and background colors, hide the digits if you don't need them, and download the barcode as a PNG, JPG or WebP image.

Features

  • Check digit - calculated from 11 digits, or checked when you enter 12
  • Standard layout - the first and last digits outside the bars, the others in two groups under them
  • Custom colors - any color for the bars and the background
  • Image download - PNG, JPG or WebP

Tips

  • For products sold in stores, use numbers from GS1 US or GS1 Canada: checkouts look products up by the number, and a made-up one may belong to another product.
  • Print the barcode in dark ink on a light background, and don't make it much smaller than on ordinary packaging.