UPC Barcode Generator
Turn your 11 or 12-digit UPC into a scannable barcode at the standard retail size, with the check digit calculated automatically.
- UPC-A & UPC-E
- Check digit calculator
- 100% size (0.33 mm)
- PNG & SVG
Loading the barcode engine…
Check digit 2 was added.
Printed at 0.33 mm per bar: 38.3 × 27.4 mm (1.51 × 1.08 in)
What is a UPC barcode?
UPC (Universal Product Code) is the barcode on retail products in the United States and Canada. A UPC-A code has 12 digits: a number system digit, your GS1 company prefix, an item reference and a final check digit that scanners use to catch misreads. UPC-E is a compressed 8-digit version for small packages. Enter 11 digits and this generator calculates the check digit; enter 12 and it checks that the last digit is right. At 100% magnification a UPC-A barcode is about 37.3 × 25.9 mm with 0.33 mm bars, which the default size reproduces.
How to make a UPC barcode
- Choose UPC-A (12 digits) or UPC-E (8 digits) as the barcode type.
- Enter the first 11 digits of your UPC to have the check digit added, or all 12 to verify it.
- Keep the bar width at 0.33 mm for the standard 100% size, or reduce to 80% (about 0.26 mm) only if your packaging requires it.
- Download an SVG for your packaging designer, or a 600 DPI PNG for labels.
UPC sizing and check digits
- The 12th digit is a check digit: multiply odd-position digits by 3, add the even-position digits, and take the amount needed to reach the next multiple of 10.
- Standard (100%) UPC-A uses 0.33 mm bars. Retailers accept 80–200%; smaller is harder to scan.
- Leave white space (quiet zone) on both sides; the generator adds it automatically.
- Do not change the bar height much: truncating the bars is a common reason for retailer rejections.
Why use this upc barcode generator
- No email, no account, no watermarkMany barcode sites ask for an email before the download. Here the image is created on your device and saved straight away.
- Print-ready sizesChoose the bar width in millimetres and 150–600 DPI, see the printed size before you download, or take a vector SVG.
- Check digits handled for youUPC, EAN, ISBN and ITF-14 check digits are calculated or verified, with a clear message if a number is wrong.
- Bulk and label sheetsPaste a column from Excel and get a ZIP of images or a PDF laid out on Avery 5160, 5163, L7160 and other sheets.
Common uses
- Amazon, Walmart and retail listings. Packaging artwork for products with GS1-issued UPCs.
- Printing stickers. Label existing stock that arrived without barcodes.
- Checking a UPC. Verify the check digit of a number you have been given.
- Small packages. Use UPC-E where a full UPC-A will not fit.
Need a code people scan with their phone? Use the QR code generator or the Wi-Fi QR code generator. Pair labels with a UUID or random number generator for unique IDs.
Example: calculate a UPC check digit
Digits: 0 3 6 0 0 0 2 9 1 4 5 Odd positions (×3): (0+6+0+2+1+5) × 3 = 42 Even positions: 3+0+0+9+4 = 16 42 + 16 = 58 → next multiple of 10 is 60 → check digit 2 Full UPC: 036000291452
What to expect from the result
This tool creates barcode images; it does not issue product numbers. Retailers and marketplaces require UPC/EAN numbers licensed from GS1. Always test-scan a printed sample, especially at small sizes, on coloured backgrounds or with low-quality printers.
UPC Barcode Generator questions
How do I get a UPC number?
Buy a GS1 Company Prefix or individual GTINs from GS1 US (or your country’s GS1 office). The generator turns that number into a barcode image; it cannot issue official numbers.
How is the UPC check digit calculated?
Multiply the digits in odd positions by 3, add the digits in even positions, and the check digit is whatever brings the total up to a multiple of 10. Enter 11 digits and it is done for you.
What size should a UPC barcode be?
The nominal 100% size is about 1.47 × 1.02 inches (37.3 × 25.9 mm), with 0.33 mm bars. Most retailers accept 80% to 200%.
What is the difference between UPC-A and UPC-E?
UPC-A has 12 digits and is the standard. UPC-E is an 8-digit zero-suppressed version for small packages, only available for certain numbers.
Which format should I download, PNG or SVG?
Use SVG for printing at any size and for designers, because it is vector. Use PNG at 300 or 600 DPI for Word, Google Docs and label printers.