A product scanned at a retail checkout
Use EAN-13 for a GTIN-13, UPC-A for a GTIN-12 or EAN-8 for an assigned GTIN-8. Confirm the identifier and symbol with your trading partner.
Retail barcode guide
GTIN, EAN and UPC: what is the difference?
GTIN is the product identifier; EAN-13, UPC-A and EAN-8 are barcode symbols that carry specific GTIN lengths. Use this guide to choose the correct format before creating a label.
Validate a GTIN or create a GS1 barcodeQuick comparison
| Name | Meaning | Typical use | Digits | Barcode symbol |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTIN-13 | Global Trade Item Number | Retail products in Europe and many other markets | 13 | EAN-13 |
| GTIN-12 | Global Trade Item Number | Retail products commonly sold in North America | 12 | UPC-A |
| GTIN-8 | Global Trade Item Number | Very small retail items when GTIN-13 will not fit | 8 | EAN-8 |
| GTIN-14 | Global Trade Item Number | Cases and higher packaging levels, not retail POS items | 14 | ITF-14 or GS1-128 |
Choose the right barcode
A carton or case moving through distribution
Use GTIN-14 in ITF-14 or GS1-128 where the receiving and logistics specification supports it. GTIN-14 is not intended for retail checkout.
A label that also needs batch, expiry or serial data
A plain EAN/UPC symbol carries only the GTIN. Use GS1-128, GS1 DataMatrix or another approved GS1 carrier for Application Identifier data.
An internal SKU or location that never leaves your company
A non-GS1 format such as Code 128 can be suitable when your own systems control allocation and scanning.
Examples and check digits
EAN-13 / GTIN-13
5901234123457The final digit 7 is the check digit. The generator validates it before rendering.
UPC-A / GTIN-12
036000291452A 12-digit identifier normally rendered as a UPC-A symbol.
ITF-14 / GTIN-14
10012345678902The first digit may represent a packaging level; the last digit is still a check digit.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Inventing a retail GTIN in a barcode generator. A generator encodes a number; it does not assign a globally unique product identifier.
- Treating the final check digit as part of the item reference. It is calculated from the preceding digits and detects common data-entry errors.
- Using GTIN-14 for a consumer unit scanned at retail checkout.
- Putting batch, expiry or serial data into EAN-13. Use a GS1 carrier designed for Application Identifiers instead.
Frequently asked questions
Is an EAN number the same as a GTIN?
EAN commonly refers to GTIN-13 and to the EAN-13 barcode symbol. GTIN is the identifier itself; EAN-13 is one way of representing it in a barcode.
Can a UPC be used outside North America?
GTIN-12 identifiers are globally valid, although GTIN-13 and EAN-13 are more common in many markets outside North America. Confirm acceptance with the retailer or marketplace.
Can this site give me a new retail barcode number?
No. It validates and renders identifiers you provide. For a globally unique retail GTIN, obtain the identifier from GS1 or your local GS1 Member Organisation.
Why does a valid-looking number fail validation?
Fixed-length numeric GS1 identifiers include a calculated final check digit. A wrong digit, omitted leading zero or incorrect total length will fail validation.