Simple Free UPC / EAN / GTIN Generator & Barcode Check Digit Validator
Generate valid GS1 barcodes in bulk (up to 50) and verify UPC-A, EAN-13, EAN-8, and GTIN-14 numbers with instant check digit calculation.
UPC / EAN / GTIN Barcode Suite
Complete Guide to UPC, EAN, and GTIN Barcode Standards
Getmytracks make easy for every physical item sold across retail shelves and digital marketplaces relies on standardized product identifiers. Whether you manage inventory on Shopify, list on eBay and OnBuy, or prepare catalog feeds for Amazon, understanding how to generate, convert, and validate UPC, EAN, and GTIN codes is essential for error-free catalog management.
Comparing Barcode Standards: UPC-A vs. EAN-13 vs. GTIN-14 vs. EAN-8
Choosing the correct barcode format depends on your target market geography and packaging hierarchy with Get my Tracks:
| Format Name | Total Digits | Primary Geographic Region | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPC-A (GTIN-12) | 12 Digits | United States & Canada | Point-of-Sale (POS) retail items, consumer goods, US marketplace listings. |
| EAN-13 (GTIN-13) | 13 Digits | Europe, UK, Global | International retail checkout, OnBuy, Amazon EU/UK product catalogs, Bookland ISBN. |
| GTIN-14 (ITF-14 / SCC-14) | 14 Digits | Worldwide Logistics | Wholesale master cartons, outer cases, pallet shipping labels (GS1-128 / UCC-14). |
| EAN-8 (GTIN-8) | 8 Digits | Global Compact Items | Small consumer packaging where standard 12 or 13-digit labels do not fit physically. |
How the GS1 Modulo-10 Check Digit Calculation Works
The final digit of any valid UPC-A, EAN-13, or GTIN-14 is not random—it is a mathematically calculated checksum that prevents barcode scanner misreads:
- Start from the rightmost payload digit (excluding the check digit) and move left.
- Multiply alternate digits by 3 and 1.
- Sum all the multiplied values together.
- Determine the smallest number that can be added to the sum to reach a multiple of 10. That difference is your Check Digit.
Check Digit = (10 - (Sum % 10)) % 10Converting UPC-A to EAN-13 and GTIN-14
Because GTIN data structures share a common baseline, converting between regional formats is straightforward:
Convert 12-Digit UPC to 13-Digit EAN
Prepend a leading 0 to the 12-digit UPC. The check digit remains completely unchanged.
UPC: 012345678905 → EAN: 0012345678905Convert UPC or EAN to 14-Digit GTIN Case Code
Add a packaging level indicator (1–8) plus leading zeros to construct a 14-digit outer carton code.
GTIN-14: 10012345678902 (Recalculate Check Digit)Creating Barcodes in Excel and Google Sheets
If you manage bulk inventory in spreadsheets, you can construct custom formulas or apply Code 128 / EAN fonts to format identifiers:
Ensures leading zeros are preserved across CSV product exports:
=TEXT(A2, "0000000000000")Prepares product payloads for wholesale shipping case identification:
="10" & TEXT(A2, "000000000000")Best Practices for Marketplace Sellers (Amazon, OnBuy & eBay)
Official GS1 Company Prefixes
For brand owners and private-label products, major channels like Amazon cross-reference listing barcodes against the GS1 GEPIR database. Ensure your brand name matches your GS1 certificate records.
Catalog Feed Automation
When syncing inventory between suppliers and marketplaces, validate check digits before pushing catalog payloads to prevent automated listing rejections and batch upload errors.
Carton & Outer Case Labeling
Use GTIN-14 (ITF-14) barcodes on corrugated master cases. Scanners at logistics hubs and fulfillment warehouses rely on 14-digit symbols for high-speed pallet routing.
High-Contrast Label Printing
Print barcode labels in solid black ink on matte white backgrounds at 300 DPI resolution minimum to ensure optical scanners capture lines without reflection or blur.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barcodes and Product Codes
What is the difference between a UPC and an EAN?
A UPC-A contains 12 digits and is primarily used in the United States and Canada. An EAN-13 contains 13 digits and is the standard across Europe, the UK, and international markets. Any 12-digit UPC can be converted into an EAN-13 simply by adding a leading zero.
Can I generate random UPC or EAN numbers for Amazon listings?
While algorithmic generators produce mathematically valid check digits for internal inventory tracking, testing, and mockups, commercial platforms like Amazon verify brand ownership directly with GS1 databases. Brand-registered private label sellers should license official GS1 company prefixes.
What is a GTIN-14 / ITF-14 barcode used for?
GTIN-14 (also known as ITF-14 or SCC-14) identifies multi-pack trade units, master cases, and wholesale shipping boxes rather than individual consumer items sold at point-of-sale.