UPC-E Barcode Generator
Make a UPC-E barcode for a small product, or paste a full UPC-A number to shorten it to UPC-E. The check digit is worked out for you, and you can download the barcode as a PNG or SVG.
1. Barcode type and content
Check digit 4 added. Full number: 04252614
Type the 6 middle digits, 7 or 8 digits starting with 0 or 1, or a full UPC-A number to shorten it.
2. Size and text
Width of the thinnest bar. Raise it for a larger, sharper PNG.
3. Colors
Loading the barcode maker…
Print a test copy and scan it before you print a full batch.
What is a UPC-E barcode?
UPC-E is a compressed form of the 12 digit UPC-A barcode. It leaves out a run of zeros, so a 12 digit number fits in a barcode a little over half as wide. Scanners put the zeros back and pass the full UPC-A number to the store's system.
A UPC-E is printed with 8 digits: a 0 or 1 at the start, six digits under the bars, and the check digit at the end.
Why use our UPC-E barcode generator
- ·Converts UPC-A for you. Paste the full number and the tool finds the UPC-E form, or tells you it has none.
- ·Correct check digit. Worked out from the expanded UPC-A, which is easy to get wrong by hand.
- ·Flexible input. 6, 7, 8, 11, or 12 digits all work.
- ·Free and private. Runs in your browser with nothing uploaded.
How to make a UPC-E barcode
- 1
Type a UPC-E or UPC-A number
Enter the 6 middle digits, 7 or 8 digits starting with 0 or 1, or a full 11 or 12 digit UPC-A number to shorten.
- 2
Read the result line
The tool shows the check digit and, for a UPC-A number, the UPC-E it was shortened to. If the number cannot be shortened, it says so.
- 3
Size it for the package
Set the bar width and height. Keep the digits on so shoppers and staff can type the number if a scan fails.
- 4
Download and test
Save an SVG for packaging artwork or a PNG for labels, then scan a printed copy at its real size.
Which UPC-A numbers can be shortened to UPC-E
A UPC-A number can become a UPC-E only if it starts with 0 or 1 and its zeros match one of four patterns. The last of the six UPC-E digits tells the scanner which pattern to use when it puts the zeros back.
| UPC-E ends in | Middle 10 digits of the UPC-A | UPC-A | UPC-E |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0, 1, or 2 | Two digits, then 0, 1, or 2, then four zeros, then three digits | 0 12000 00345 5 | 0 123450 5 |
| 3 | Three digits, then five zeros, then two digits | 0 12300 00045 1 | 0 123453 1 |
| 4 | Four digits, then five zeros, then one digit | 0 12340 00005 3 | 0 123454 3 |
| 5 to 9 | Five digits, then four zeros, then a digit from 5 to 9 | 0 12345 00007 2 | 0 123457 2 |
For example, 0 36000 29145 2 has its zeros in the wrong place, so it has no UPC-E form and needs a full UPC-A barcode. The check digit stays the same in both forms, since it always comes from the full UPC-A number.
When to use a UPC-E barcode
- ·A product sold in the US or Canada has a curved or narrow surface, like a can or a small bottle, where a UPC-A will not fit.
- ·Your GS1 US numbers allow a UPC-E form and you want to keep the label small.
- ·You need to check whether an existing UPC-A has a UPC-E version before you redesign a label.
UPC-E barcode FAQ
- How do I convert a UPC-A to UPC-E?
- Type the full UPC-A number into the tool above. If its zeros are in one of the four places UPC-E can drop, the tool shortens it, shows the UPC-E number, and draws the barcode. A scanner reading the UPC-E gets the full UPC-A number back.
- Can every UPC be turned into a UPC-E?
- No. Only UPC-A numbers that start with 0 or 1 and have a run of zeros in the right place can be shortened. Paste the number into the tool to check, and it will tell you.
- Why does a UPC-E have 8 digits but only 6 in the bars?
- The first digit (the number system, 0 or 1) and the last digit (the check digit) are not drawn as bars of their own. They are hidden in the patterns used for the six middle digits, which is how UPC-E stays so short.
- How is the UPC-E check digit worked out?
- From the full UPC-A number, not from the 8 printed digits. The tool expands the UPC-E back to UPC-A and works out the check digit from that, which is why typing a UPC-E with a wrong last digit is flagged.
- Is UPC-E the same as EAN-8?
- No. They are both 8 digits, but an EAN-8 is a separate number issued by GS1, while a UPC-E is a shortened UPC-A. Scanners tell them apart by their bar patterns.
- Where is UPC-E used?
- On small products sold in the US and Canada where a full UPC-A will not fit, such as 12 ounce soda cans.
- Is my number uploaded?
- No. The conversion and the barcode both happen in your browser.