What is UPC-A?
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is the 12-digit barcode used on retail products in the United States and Canada. It is the North American equivalent of EAN-13 and encodes an 11-digit number plus a check digit.
Common Uses for UPC-A
- US and Canada retail product labels
- Amazon FBA product identification
- Grocery and pharmacy items
- Coupon and loyalty card encoding
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13?
UPC-A is 12 digits and used in North America. EAN-13 is 13 digits and used worldwide. EAN-13 with a leading 0 is compatible with UPC-A scanners.
How many digits is a UPC-A barcode?
UPC-A encodes 11 data digits plus 1 auto-calculated check digit for a total of 12 digits.
Do I need a GS1 prefix for UPC?
Yes, for products sold in retail you need a GS1 US company prefix. The tool generates the image - the number comes from GS1.
Can I batch print UPC-A barcodes?
Yes, paste a list of 12-digit numbers and generate the whole batch on one printable sheet.