Barcode Guide
What Is a 13-Digit Barcode?
A 13-digit barcode commonly refers to EAN-13, a retail product-identification format used widely around the world. The 13 digits form the identifier represented by the barcode symbol, with the final digit serving as a check digit.
Is a 13-digit barcode an EAN-13?
In retail contexts, yes: EAN-13 is the common 13-digit product barcode format. The term “13-digit barcode” describes the length of the encoded identifier, while EAN-13 names the standard used to represent it.
How does EAN-13 work?
An EAN-13 value contains 13 digits. The final digit is calculated from the preceding digits and is used as a check digit. This helps detect certain data-entry or scanning errors. The barcode symbol represents the identifier in a machine-readable form.
EAN-13 vs UPC-A
UPC-A normally represents 12 digits, while EAN-13 represents 13. They are closely related retail product-identification standards, but you should use the format associated with the identifier assigned to your product and required by your retailer or trading partner.
For a detailed comparison, see UPC vs EAN.
How to create a 13-digit barcode
- Start with the valid EAN-13 identifier for your product or workflow.
- Open the EAN-13 Barcode Generator.
- Enter the 13-digit value.
- Generate the barcode and verify the digits.
- Download PNG, SVG, or PDF, or print the barcode.
- Test the printed symbol before producing a large batch.
Can I make up a 13-digit barcode number?
You can create a barcode graphic from data you enter, but that does not make the number an officially assigned product identifier. For products sold through retailers or marketplaces, use the identifier required by the relevant numbering system and trading partners.
Frequently asked questions
What barcode has 13 digits?
EAN-13 is the standard retail barcode format that represents 13 digits.
What is the last digit of an EAN-13?
The thirteenth digit is the check digit, used to help validate the identifier.
Can I generate an EAN-13 barcode online?
Yes. Use the BarcodeYard EAN-13 generator with an identifier you already have.