EAN-13 Barcode Generator

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EAN 13 Barcode Generator

Our EAN-13 Barcode Generator enables you to create globally recognized 13-digit barcodes with ease, ensuring compliance with international standards.

Generate, customise, and download barcodes in multiple formats, perfect for retail, inventory management, and supply chain applications.

What Is the Ideal Size for EAN-13 Barcodes?

What Is the Ideal Size for EAN-13 Barcodes

The EAN-13 barcode is designed with specific dimensions to ensure compatibility and accurate scanning worldwide. At its standard size (100% magnification), the barcode measures 37.29 mm in width, including quiet zones, and 25.93 mm in height, covering both the bars and the numbers below.

The essential blank spaces on either side of the barcode are called quiet zones. They measure 3.63 mm on the left and 2.31 mm on the right.

The barcode can be resized between 80% and 200% of its standard size. At the minimum magnification of 80%, it measures 29.83 mm in width and 20.74 mm in height, while at the maximum magnification of 200%, it reaches 74.58 mm in width and 51.86 mm in height.

Quiet zones scale proportionally with these size changes. For readability, high print resolution and strong contrast—typically black bars on a white background—are necessary.

Additionally, the barcode should be placed on flat, unobstructed surfaces to ensure reliable scanning. Following these guidelines ensures the barcode functions effectively across retail and logistics applications.

How To Use Our Free EAN-13 Barcode Generator?

How To Use Our Free EAN-13 Barcode Generator

Using our free EAN-13 barcode generator is quick and straightforward. Just follow these steps:

  1. Enter the Data: Input the 12 numeric digits for your barcode. The generator will automatically calculate the 13th digit (checksum) for you.
  2. Click “Generate EAN-13 Barcode”: With one click, your EAN-13 barcode will be instantly created.
  3. Download Your Barcode: Save your barcode in your preferred format—PDF, PNG, SVG, or JPG—for use in print or digital applications.

This tool simplifies barcode creation, making it ideal for businesses seeking to improve retail product identification, inventory management, or supply chain efficiency.

How is the Checksum Calculated for EAN-13 Barcodes?

Checksum Calculated for EAN 13 Barcodes

The checksum for an EAN-13 barcode is calculated using the first 12 digits of the barcode. This checksum, also known as the check digit, ensures data integrity by detecting errors in the barcode. Here is the step-by-step process for calculating the checksum:

  1. Start with the First 12 Digits: Use the initial 12 digits of the barcode for the calculation.
  2. Assign Weight Multipliers:
    • Digits in odd positions (1st, 3rd, 5th, etc.) are multiplied by 1.
    • Digits in even positions (2nd, 4th, 6th, etc.) are multiplied by 3.
  3. Calculate the Weighted Sum:
    • Multiply each digit by its assigned weight and then sum all the results.
  4. Find the Modulo 10:
    • Divide the weighted sum by 10 and take the remainder (modulo 10).
  5. Calculate the Check Digit:
    • Subtract the modulo result from 10. If the result is 10, the check digit is 0.

Let’s look at an example to understand this better:

Let’s say the data to encode is “400638133393”.

  1. First 12 digits: 400638133393
  2. Weighted positions:
    • Odd positions: 4,0,6,8,1,34,0,6,8,1,34,0,6,8,1,3 → 4×1, 0×1, 6×1, 8×1, 1×1, 3×1
      = 4×1, 0×1, 6×1, 8×1, 1×1, 3×1
      = 4+0+6+8+1+3
      = 22
    • Even positions: 0,6,3,3,9,30,6,3,3,9,30,6,3,3,9,3 → 0×3, 6×3, 3×3, 3×3, 9×3, 3×3
      = 0+18+9+9+27+9
      = 72

  3. Weighted sum: 22+72 = 94
  4. Modulo 10: 94 mod  10 = 4
  5. Check digit: 10−4 = 6

The complete EAN-13 barcode would be 4006381333936, with 6 as the check digit.

This process ensures that the barcode can be verified for accuracy when scanned.

What is the Character Limit of Your EAN-13 Barcode?

What is the Character Limit of Your EAN-13 Barcode Generator

The EAN-13 barcode consists of exactly 13 numeric characters, structured to ensure accurate product identification. The first 12 digits contain key information such as the country code, manufacturer code, and product code, which together make each barcode unique.

The 13th digit, known as the checksum, is calculated from the initial 12 digits and serves as a validation tool to detect errors during scanning.

Only numeric characters (0–9) are supported in EAN-13 barcodes; letters or special symbols are not permitted. This precise character limit is essential for seamless functionality in retail and inventory systems worldwide.

What are the Uses of EAN-13 Barcodes?

The EAN-13 barcode is widely used in various industries for its versatility and compatibility with global standards. Its primary application lies in retail, but its uses extend to other fields as well. Here are some common uses of EAN-13 barcodes:

Retail Product Identification:
EAN-13 barcodes are commonly found on retail products, enabling efficient scanning at point-of-sale (POS) systems. They streamline pricing, inventory updates, and transaction recording.

  1. Inventory Management:
    Businesses use EAN-13 barcodes to monitor stock levels, track inventory movements, and reduce errors in inventory reporting.
  2. Global Supply Chain Integration:
    As a globally recognized standard, EAN-13 barcodes are essential for product tracking across international supply chains, ensuring compatibility with scanning systems worldwide.
  3. Publishing and Media:
    Books and periodicals often feature EAN-13 barcodes as part of their International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or International Standard Serial Number (ISSN).
  4. Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals:
    EAN-13 barcodes are used for labelling medical devices, packaging pharmaceuticals, and ensuring accurate product identification for regulatory compliance.
  5. Logistics and Shipping:
    Shipping labels with EAN-13 barcodes facilitate efficient package tracking and delivery processes, reducing handling errors.

By providing a standardized method for product identification, EAN-13 barcodes enhance efficiency, accuracy, and reliability across multiple industries.

What Types of Barcode Scanners are Compatible with EAN-13 Barcodes?

Various types of barcode scanners widely support EAN-13 barcodes, ensuring compatibility across industries.

Laser scanners and CCD scanners are popular in retail for their speed and accuracy.

Linear imagers are ideal for reading damaged or worn barcodes, making them suitable for inventory and logistics.

2D image scanners can also decode EAN-13, offering flexibility in warehouses and multi-angle scanning. Additionally, Mobile devices with scanning apps and POS-integrated scanners are commonly used in retail environments for convenience.

These scanner options provide efficient and reliable solutions for reading EAN-13 barcodes.

Is there a Scan Limit to the EAN-13 Barcode Generated Using your Online Barcode Generator?

There is no scan limit for the EAN-13 barcode generated using an online barcode generator. Once created, the barcode can be scanned unlimited times, provided it meets quality standards and is printed or displayed clearly. This ensures it works consistently across various POS systems and scanning devices.

Do You Have Other Barcode Generators?

Yes, we offer a range of other barcode generators. In addition to the EAN-13 barcode, you can generate QR code, Code 128, Code 11, Code 39, and others, such as UPC Code, EAN-13, ITF, Data Matrix, and GS1 Databar. We also have online barcode generators for specialised barcodes like Aztec code, Maxicode, and PDF 417.

You can access these generators and create barcodes for free. Each unique barcode can be customised, downloaded as a barcode image, and used for various business needs. 

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