Generate an EAN-13 barcode
The EAN-13 is the barcode on products sold in stores, in Europe as in Africa. Enter the first 12 digits of your number: Scanou calculates the check digit, checks the length and generates a barcode ready for your packaging.
How it works
- 1
Enter your number
Choose "EAN-13" in the generator and enter 12 or 13 digits. If one is missing, Scanou calculates the check digit.
- 2
Check the result
The number appears under the bars, with the blank side margin checkout scanners need.
- 3
Download for your printer
As SVG or PDF, the code stays sharp at nominal size or enlarged.
The structure of an EAN-13
An EAN-13 has 13 digits. The first ones identify the GS1 organization that assigned the number (not the country of manufacture), the next ones your company, then your product. The last digit is the check digit.
How is the check digit calculated?
Multiply the first 12 digits alternately by 1 and 3 starting from the left, add up the results, and the check digit is what is needed to reach the next multiple of ten. For 400638133393, the sum is 89: the check digit is 1, and the full number is 4006381333931.
No need to do the math yourself: enter 12 digits and Scanou adds the check digit; enter 13 digits with a wrong one and Scanou tells you.
Getting an official EAN-13 number
To sell in retail, the number must be assigned by the GS1 organization in your country, through a membership. Beware of numbers resold cheaply online: retailers may reject them, because they are not registered to your company. For internal use, however, you can use any numbering you like.
Size and printing
The nominal size of an EAN-13 is 37.29 × 25.93 mm. It can range from 80% to 200% without hurting readability, as long as the proportions and a blank margin on each side are kept. Prefer black bars on a white background.
EAN-13 in series
For a whole product range, bulk generation creates your EAN-13 codes in sequence: enter the start of the number and the number of digits, Scanou pads with zeros (001, 002…) and calculates each check digit.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make up an EAN-13 number?
For internal use, yes. To sell in stores, no: the number must be assigned by GS1, otherwise it may clash with another product’s number.
Does Scanou calculate the check digit?
Yes. Enter 12 digits and Scanou adds the 13th; enter 13 digits and Scanou checks the check digit is correct.
EAN-13 or UPC-A?
UPC-A is the North American equivalent, with 12 digits. To sell in Europe or Africa, use EAN-13; Scanou generates both.
What about GS1 Digital Link?
It is the QR code that will gradually replace the EAN-13 at checkout, by 2027: it holds the GTIN and can link to a product page. Scanou generates it too, from the "GS1 Digital Link" type.
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