UPC-A Barcode Generator
Retail products USA/Canada
UPC-A
What is UPC-A?EAN / UPC (Retail) › UPC-A
To sell in retail stores you need a GS1 company prefix. Get one from GS1
What is a UPC-A barcode?
UPC-A is the standard retail barcode in the United States and Canada. It holds a 12-digit GTIN that identifies one product and is scanned at checkout, in warehouses and by online marketplaces.
The number is made of a GS1 company prefix, an item reference and a check digit at the end. The check digit is calculated from the first 11 digits: digits in odd positions are multiplied by 3, and the check digit brings the total to the next multiple of 10. A UPC-A is the same as an EAN-13 that starts with 0.
What data can UPC-A hold?
11 digits, and we add the 12th check digit; or all 12 digits, and we verify it. Only digits are allowed, and if you enter 13 digits we suggest EAN-13.
Recommended size
At 100% size a UPC-A is about 37.29 x 25.91 mm with an X-dimension of 0.33 mm, and it can be scaled from 80% to 200%. Keep a blank margin of at least 9 times the narrowest bar on each side.
More EAN / UPC (Retail) barcodes
How to Create a Barcode in 3 Steps
Choose a barcode type
Select a category on the left (e.g. Linear Codes), then the exact type like Code-128.
Enter data & customise
Type your data — we check it live and add check digits. Adjust size, font and colors.
Download or print
Get PNG, JPG, SVG, PDF or EPS, or print a full sheet of labels in one click.
Why Use QRCodeChamp Barcode Generator
125+ barcode types
Every linear, 2D, GS1, postal, healthcare and payment code.
Live validation
Friendly errors with one-click fixes and automatic check digits.
Print-ready PDF
Exact mm sizes, label sheets (Avery, A4, 4×6 thermal).
Bulk barcodes
Paste a list or generate number sequences.
Choose the Type of Barcode You Need
Not sure which barcode to use? Start with what you need it for — we’ll pick the right type.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you sell in stores or on most marketplaces. GS1 US and GS1 Canada issue company prefixes and single GTINs.
Yes. Checkout scanners around the world read a UPC-A as an EAN-13 with a 0 in front.
It is the check digit. Enter 11 digits and we calculate it; if you type all 12, we check that the last one is correct.
Only for very small packs, and only if your UPC-A number can be compressed. Otherwise use UPC-A.