How to use it
- Enter 7 digits (number system 0 or 1, then six digits) to have the check digit calculated, or 8 digits to verify it.
- Or enter an 11- or 12-digit UPC-A: if it can be compressed, it's converted for you.
- Download and test-scan. Most scanners report the expanded 12-digit UPC-A when they read it.
Zero suppression
UPC-E is a UPC-A number with some zeros left out. Only numbers with zeros in particular places can be compressed, and the last of the six middle digits tells scanners which zeros to put back. For example, UPC-E 04252614 expands to UPC-A 042100005264.
Most UPC-A numbers can't be written as UPC-E. You can't choose to shorten any number; it has to be assigned with a UPC-E-compatible pattern.
Check digit
The check digit of a UPC-E isn't calculated from its own digits. It's the check digit of the expanded UPC-A number. In the barcode itself, the check digit and number system aren't drawn as separate bars: they're encoded in the pattern of the six data digits.
Where UPC-E is used
- Drinks cans, cigarette packs and small items in North American retail.
- Only number systems 0 and 1 can be used.
- Outside North America, EAN-8 is the more common small-pack barcode.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert any UPC-A to UPC-E?
No. Only UPC-A numbers with zeros in the right positions can be compressed. The generator tells you if yours can't.
Why does my scanner show 12 or 13 digits?
Scanners usually expand UPC-E back to the full UPC-A (or 13-digit GTIN) number before sending it to a till system.
Related formats
Further reading
Need another format? The full Barcode Generator supports 15 barcode and 2D code types.