UPC-E Barcode Generator

UPC-E is a squeezed version of UPC-A for very small packs. Type the compressed digits below and we'll work out the check digit.

Barcode type
UPC-EChoose another type

Enter 6, 7 or 8 digits of the compressed UPC-E number. The number system digit (0 or 1) and check digit are handled for you.

Your barcode will appear here.

Your barcode data is processed in your browser and is not uploaded to our server.

Size and appearance

The blank margin (quiet zone) is never smaller than 10 times the bar width, so the barcode stays scannable.

UPC-E at a glance

Digits6 compressed digits, shown with a number system digit and check digit (8 in total)
CharactersDigits only
Number system0 or 1
Typical useVery small retail packages in North America

What you can enter

  • 6 digits: number system 0 is assumed and the check digit is added
  • 7 digits: the first digit is the number system (0 or 1) and the check digit is added
  • 8 digits: number system, 6 digits and a check digit, which is verified

What is UPC-E?

UPC-E takes a 12-digit UPC-A and drops some zeros following fixed rules, so the same product fits a smaller symbol. The scanner expands it back to the full UPC-A before it looks anything up. What's printed is a number system digit (0 or 1), six compressed digits and a check digit.

Important limits

Here's the catch: not every UPC-A can be compressed. Only numbers with zeros in the right places have a UPC-E version. This tool works from the compressed digits you already have; it doesn't decide whether a given UPC-A can be shortened. Your GS1 office can tell you if yours can.

If you just need a small retail barcode and don't have a particular number, ask yourself whether a full-size UPC-A or an EAN-8 would fit your pack after all.

Where UPC-E is used

  • Small packs in North America where a full UPC-A won't fit
  • Little retail items such as cosmetics and sweets

How to create a UPC-E barcode

  1. Enter your data in the box above, for example 0123456.
  2. Check the preview and read any message under the box. It explains how to fix invalid input.
  3. Adjust the bar width, height or margin under “Size and appearance” if you need to.
  4. Select Download PNG, Download SVG or Print. Files are named upc-e-barcode.png and upc-e-barcode.svg.

Prefer another format? Return to the barcode generator to choose a different type.

About product numbers and GS1

This site creates barcode images. It does not issue or register product numbers. Retailers and online marketplaces generally expect the GTIN, UPC or EAN on a product to be issued to your business by GS1, the standards organisation that manages these numbers, through its local member organisation. If you plan to sell products through retailers, obtain your numbers from GS1 first and then enter them here to create the barcode artwork. For testing, training, mock-ups and internal use, any correctly formed number will do.

UPC-E questions

Why does the printed barcode show different digits from the ones I typed?

UPC-E prints the number system digit and the check digit beside the bars, with the six compressed digits underneath. Your digits are all there, just laid out differently.

What does the number system digit mean?

UPC-E only allows number system 0 or 1. If you enter 6 digits, we assume 0.

Is UPC-E accepted by all scanners?

Most retail scanners do, but test with the equipment your retailer actually uses.

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