ISBN-13 Barcode Generator
Books
ISBN-13
What is ISBN-13?Publishing (ISBN) › ISBN-13
What is a ISBN-13 barcode?
The ISBN barcode is the barcode printed on the back cover of books. It encodes your 13-digit International Standard Book Number as an EAN-13, so bookshops, libraries and distributors can scan it. Each edition and format, such as paperback or hardcover, needs its own ISBN.
An ISBN-13 starts with 978 or 979, followed by the registration group, publisher, title number and a check digit. The check digit uses the same weights of 1 and 3 as EAN-13. The ISBN with hyphens is printed above the bars, and the plain digits below.
What data can ISBN-13 hold?
An ISBN-13 starting with 978 or 979 (12 digits plus a check digit we add or verify), or an ISBN-10, which we convert to ISBN-13. Your hyphens are kept if they match; otherwise we use a default 3-1-5-3-1 grouping.
Recommended size
It follows EAN-13 sizes: 37.29 x 25.93 mm at 100%, scalable from 80% to 200%, plus room for the ISBN text above. It usually goes on the back cover.
More Publishing (ISBN) 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
From the ISBN agency in your country, not from GS1. The barcode only encodes the number you were given.
Yes. Enter it and we convert it to ISBN-13 with 978 in front and a new check digit.
The hyphens split the group, publisher and title parts, which vary in length. Type your ISBN with the hyphens from your agency so the printed text is correct.
Many US booksellers expect a 5-digit price add-on. Use the ISBN-13 + 5-digit price type for that.