Warning
Our GS1-Databar Expanded Barcode Generator encodes data, including Application Identifiers, in formats like PDF, PNG, SVG, and JPG. It ensures GS1 compliance, correct dimensions, and checksum calculations for accurate barcode generation. Industries such as retail, healthcare, and logistics can use this tool to encode variable data like expiry dates and batch numbers.
What Is the Ideal Size for a GS1-Databar Expanded Barcode?

To ensure reliable scanning and GS1 compliance, the dimensions of a GS1-Databar Expanded barcode must meet specific standards.
Dimensions
X-Dimension (Width of the Narrowest Bar):
The recommended range is 0.264 mm to 0.660 mm.
Smaller X-dimensions result in more compact barcodes, while larger X-dimensions improve readability.
Bar Height:
The minimum bar height depends on the X-dimension and intended application. For example:
At an X-dimension of 0.495 mm, the minimum height is 16.34 mm.
At an X-dimension of 0.660 mm, the height increases proportionally.
Quiet Zones (Blank Margins):
Quiet zones must be at least 10 times the X-dimension on both sides of the barcode.
For an X-dimension of 0.495 mm, the quiet zone should be at least 4.95 mm wide.
Number of Data Segments:
The barcode length varies depending on the data and the number of segments.
Typically, 2 to 22 segments can be used, with each segment requiring additional horizontal space.
Example Sizes
Standard Size (X-dimension: 0.495 mm, 14 Segments):
Total width: ~84 mm (including quiet zones).
Height: 16.34 mm.
Compact Size (X-dimension: 0.264 mm, 10 Segments):
Total width: ~47 mm (including quiet zones).
Height: ~8.7 mm.
Large Size (X-dimension: 0.660 mm, 20 Segments):
Total width: ~132 mm (including quiet zones).
Height: 21.78 mm.
Magnification Range
GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes can be scaled to suit various applications:
Minimum Size (X-dimension: 0.264 mm): Suitable for small packaging or limited space.
Maximum Size (X-dimension: 0.660 mm): Used for larger labels to enhance readability.
This range ensures flexibility across different environments while maintaining scanner compatibility and data integrity. Always verify size requirements based on the intended use case to ensure compliance with GS1 standards.
How To Generate a GS1-Databar Expanded Barcode Generator?

Using our free GS1-Databar Expanded barcode generator is straightforward. Follow these steps:
Enter Your Data: Input up to 74 numeric digits, including product codes, batch numbers, or expiry dates, as required by the GS1-Databar Expanded format.
Generate the Barcode: Click the “Generate GS1-Databar Expanded Barcode” button.
Download the Barcode: Once generated, download your barcode image in your preferred format, including PNG, JPG, SVG, or PDF.
This tool ensures high-quality barcode outputs suitable for digital and print use, meeting professional and commercial standards for GS1 compliance.
How is the Checksum Calculated for GS1-Databar Expanded Barcodes?

The GS1-Databar Expanded barcode includes a check digit to verify data integrity. Follow these steps to calculate it:
Step-by-Step Calculation
Identify the data string: Determine the sequence of digits to be encoded in the barcode.
Assign weights to the digits: Multiply each digit by alternating weights of 3 and 1, starting with 3 for the first digit:
1st digit × 3
2nd digit × 1
3rd digit × 3, and so on.
Sum the results: Add the products of all multiplications.
Calculate the check digit: Find the smallest number that, when added to the sum, results in a multiple of 10.
Formula: Check digit = (10 – (sum modulo 10)) modulo 10.
Let’s understand this better using an example.
Suppose we have data string 01234567, here is how we calculate its checksum:
Assign weights and multiply:
0 × 3 = 0
1 × 1 = 1
2 × 3 = 6
3 × 1 = 3
4 × 3 = 12
5 × 1 = 5
6 × 3 = 18
7 × 1 = 7
Sum the results: 0 + 1 + 6 + 3 + 12 + 5 + 18 + 7 = 52.
Calculate the check digit:
Nearest multiple of 10: 60.
Check digit: 60 – 52 = 8.
The final barcode, including the check digit, is: 012345678.
Where Is the GS1-Databar Expanded Barcode Used?
The GS1-Databar Expanded barcode is widely used in industries requiring detailed product information and high data capacity.
Retail
In retail, it is applied to fresh produce and perishable items like pre-packaged fruits, vegetables, and deli products. The barcode captures variable-weight data, batch numbers, and expiry dates, enhancing inventory management and product traceability. Retailers also use it for coupons, encoding detailed offer information, including discount terms and expiration dates, to improve promotional management.
Healthcare
In healthcare, GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes encode vital information for pharmaceutical products, such as serial numbers, batch or lot numbers, and expiry dates. This ensures regulatory compliance and patient safety by reducing counterfeit risks. Medical devices, especially small or irregularly shaped items, also use these barcodes to encode critical data while conserving label space.
Food industry
The food industry leverages these barcodes for processed and packaged foods, encoding product identification, batch details, and expiry dates. This supports quality control and compliance with food safety regulations. In supply chains, the barcode facilitates detailed product tracking and efficient management of shipments.
Logistics
In logistics, GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes are used for inventory management, helping warehouses optimise stock levels and improve operational efficiency. They are also essential in shipping and receiving, encoding shipment-specific data to streamline processes and reduce errors during transit.
Troubleshooting GS1-Databar Expanded Issues
GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes are versatile and widely used However, they can encounter specific challenges that impact their effectiveness. Here’s how to address common issues:
Print Quality
Poor print quality can reduce scanner readability. Use high-resolution printers (300 dpi or higher) to ensure clear and accurate printing of the bars and spaces. Regular maintenance of the printer, including cleaning printheads and replacing worn components, is essential to maintaining output quality.
Data Encoding Errors
Incorrectly formatted data can result in unreadable barcodes. Ensure data conforms to GS1 standards, including proper encoding of Application Identifiers (AIs). Use GS1-compliant software to validate data structure before printing to avoid encoding errors.
Contrast Issues
Low contrast between the barcode and its background can hinder scanning. Select label materials with a bright, non-reflective surface to maximise contrast. Verify that printed barcodes have clear and distinct elements under appropriate lighting conditions.
Symbol Size and Proportions
Incorrect scaling can make GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes unreadable. Ensure the barcode adheres to the recommended dimensions, with an X-dimension between 0.264 mm and 0.660 mm. Avoid reducing the barcode below the minimum size, as this compromises scanner compatibility.
Quiet Zone Problems
Inadequate quiet zones—clear spaces around the barcode—lead to scanning errors. Maintain quiet zones of at least 10X the X-dimension on both sides of the barcode. Verify the quiet zone size during layout design and before printing.
Damage to Barcode Labels
Barcodes exposed to environmental risks, such as scratches, smudges, or tears, become unreadable. Use durable materials that match the operational environment. Laminates or protective coatings can shield barcodes from physical damage and ensure longevity.
Scanner Configuration
Scanners may fail to interpret GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes if their settings are not correctly configured. Check that the scanner supports the GS1-Databar Expanded symbology and enable it in the device settings. Update scanner firmware to ensure compatibility with the latest standards.
Overcrowded Information
Encoding excessive data in a single barcode increases density and reduces legibility. When possible, split data into multiple barcodes or review the data structure to ensure only necessary information is encoded. Avoid exceeding the character limit for the chosen barcode size.
Environmental Factors
External conditions, such as extreme lighting, dirt, or glare, can interfere with scanning. Place barcodes in locations that minimise exposure to harsh conditions. For areas prone to dirt or grease, regularly clean barcode surfaces to maintain readability.
By addressing these issues, you can ensure GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes perform reliably across different operational settings.
Types of GS1 DataBar Barcodes
Let’s take a closer look at the types of GS1 DataBar barcodes and their technical features.
GS1 DataBar Omnidirectional
This barcode is optimised for point-of-sale (POS) applications and is fully compatible with standard retail scanning equipment. It encodes 14-digit GTINs (Global Trade Item Numbers), which include a GS1 company prefix, an item reference, and a check digit for error detection. Its omnidirectional scanning capability ensures accurate reads even if the barcode is presented at different angles, improving scanning speed and efficiency in retail environments.
GS1 DataBar Truncated
With a reduced height, the truncated version is ideal for products with limited label space. Despite its smaller size, it retains the ability to encode 14-digit GTINs. However, its design makes it less suited for high-speed or omnidirectional scanning, limiting its use to controlled environments where the barcode can be positioned correctly for scanning.
GS1 DataBar Stacked
The stacked format splits the barcode into two horizontal rows, reducing its width while maintaining data integrity. This design allows for encoding of 14-digit GTINs, making it suitable for small items such as cosmetics or healthcare products. Scanners must support stacked barcodes to decode this format accurately, making equipment compatibility a critical consideration.
GS1 DataBar Stacked Omnidirectional
This variation adds omnidirectional scanning capability to the stacked design, allowing it to be read at multiple angles. It is specifically designed for small items in fast-paced retail environments where orientation of the barcode cannot be controlled. It encodes the full 14-digit GTIN and includes redundancy in its structure to improve scanning reliability.
GS1 DataBar Limited
This barcode is tailored for encoding smaller GTINs, typically those with prefixes indicating specific applications or industries. It has a lower data capacity than other GS1 DataBar formats and is primarily used for items where minimal label space is available. The check digit ensures error detection, but its size and structure limit its usability in high-speed scanning applications.
GS1 DataBar Expanded
This versatile barcode format can encode additional information beyond the standard GTIN. It supports the inclusion of Application Identifiers (AIs), enabling the encoding of data such as expiry dates, batch or lot numbers, and variable weights. Its flexibility makes it a preferred choice in industries like healthcare, logistics, and food production, where detailed product information is critical for traceability and regulatory compliance. Scanners must support GS1 standards to decode these complex barcodes.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked
The expanded stacked format arranges the data over multiple rows, reducing its width while maintaining the ability to encode detailed information. It can handle the same range of Application Identifiers as the expanded format, making it suitable for small packages requiring detailed data. This format is commonly used in supply chain applications where space efficiency and data density are critical.
Which Scanners are Compatible with GS1-Databar Expanded Barcodes?
Modern barcode scanners support GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes, including:
Laser Scanners: Suitable for industrial and retail environments, offering precise scanning of barcodes on flat or curved surfaces.
Imaging Scanners: Ideal for decoding GS1-Databar Expanded barcodes, especially in high-density or compact formats. These scanners handle damaged or poorly printed barcodes effectively.
Omnidirectional Scanners: Commonly used in retail settings, they enable quick and accurate scanning without the need for precise alignment.
Some scanners may require configuration to enable GS1-Databar Expanded symbology. Check the scanner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for setup instructions.
Is There a Scan Limit to the GS1-Databar Expanded Barcode Generated Using Your Online Barcode Generator?
There is no scan limit for the GS1-Databar Expanded barcode generated using our online barcode generator. Once created, the barcode can be scanned unlimited times as long as it adheres to printing quality standards and maintains proper quiet zones. This ensures consistent performance across a range of scanning devices and environments.
Do You Offer Other Barcode Generators?
Yes, our platform provides a variety of barcode generators to meet diverse needs. Along with GS1-Databar Expanded, you can generate formats like EAN, QR codes, Universal Product Codes (UPC), and Code 128 or Code 39. We also support tools for creating ITF, EAN-13, Data Matrix, and GS1-Databar symbologies.
For specialised uses, you can generate Aztec codes, Maxicodes, and PDF417 barcodes. All barcode types are fully customisable, available in multiple downloadable formats, and designed for business applications across industries.