What is a UPC barcode?

UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit linear barcode used across the United States and Canada for scanning retail products at checkout.

What is the difference between UPC and EAN?

UPC is 12 digits used primarily in North America, while EAN-13 is 13 digits used globally. Adding a leading zero to a UPC code converts it into an EAN-13 code.

How is the UPC check digit calculated?

The 12th digit is calculated using the Modulo-10 algorithm: sum the odd-positioned digits and multiply by 3, add the even-positioned digits, and determine the smallest number needed to reach a multiple of 10.

UPC Generator

Create valid 12-digit UPC-A barcodes with automated check digit calculation for retail packaging.

TL;DR: UPC Generator is a free, browser-based tool that lets you create valid 12-digit UPC-A barcodes with automated check digit calculation for retail packaging.

UPC-A Retail Barcode Creator

Enter an 11-digit number (we calculate the check digit automatically) or full 12-digit UPC-A code.

Bar Height:

Show digits below barcode

Why Use This Tool?

UPC Generator creates standardized 12-digit Universal Product Code (UPC-A) barcodes for retail products in the United States and Canada, with automatic Modulo-10 check digit calculation.

Getting Started with the UPC Generator

Enter your 11-digit company prefix and item number.
The tool calculates the mandatory 12th Modulo-10 check digit automatically.
Preview the verified UPC-A barcode with human-readable text.
Download in print-ready PNG or vector SVG format.

Pro Tips & Best Practices

Official GS1 Standard: Complies with GS1 US specifications for retail point-of-sale scanning.
Modulo-10 Calculation: The 12th digit is a mathematical checksum: odd digits are multiplied by 3 and summed with even digits.
Print Scannability: Print at 100% scale (approx. 1.469 x 1.02 inches) to ensure smooth checkout barcode scanner reads.

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100% Client-Side Privacy Guarantee

All processing runs locally inside your browser using JavaScript and HTML5 APIs. Your data, files, and inputs are never uploaded to any remote server. Complete privacy by design.

Frequently Asked Questions

: UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit linear barcode used across the United States and Canada for scanning retail products at checkout.
: UPC is 12 digits used primarily in North America, while EAN-13 is 13 digits used globally. Adding a leading zero to a UPC code converts it into an EAN-13 code.
: The 12th digit is calculated using the Modulo-10 algorithm: sum the odd-positioned digits and multiply by 3, add the even-positioned digits, and determine the smallest number needed to reach a multiple of 10.

Cite This Tool

Referencing this tool in a paper, article, or bibliography? Copy a ready-made citation below.

NexLove.org. (2026). UPC Generator [Software]. https://nexlove.org/tools/upc-generator.html

“UPC Generator.” NexLove.org, 2026, nexlove.org/tools/upc-generator.html.

NexLove.org (2026) UPC Generator. Available at: https://nexlove.org/tools/upc-generator.html (Accessed: 2026).

@misc{nexlove_upc_generator,
  title = {UPC Generator},
  author = {{NexLove.org}},
  year = {2026},
  url = {https://nexlove.org/tools/upc-generator.html}
}

Embed This Tool

Add the live UPC Generator tool to your own website with this snippet — it loads the real, working tool in an iframe, not a static screenshot.

<iframe src="https://nexlove.org/embed/upc-generator.html" width="100%" height="600" style="border:1px solid #e2e8f0;border-radius:12px" title="UPC Generator — NexLove.org" loading="lazy"></iframe>

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