UPC-E Barcode Generator
Create a UPC-E barcode, the short zero-suppressed version of UPC-A for small packages. Enter 6, 7 or 8 digits with number system 0 or 1; the check digit is derived from the UPC-A expansion and validated. Preview it, adjust size and colours, and download PNG, SVG or PDF, all in your browser.
Generating…
Your data stays on your device.
How does it work?
- 1Enter the six compressed digits, optionally preceded by the number system (0 or 1) and followed by the check digit, for 6, 7 or 8 digits in total.
- 2The check digit is calculated from the UPC-A expansion; if you typed eight digits, the last one is verified against it.
- 3Adjust bar width, bar height, colours and the human-readable digits while watching the valid/invalid indicator.
- 4Download the barcode as PNG, SVG or a vector PDF.
What is UPC-E Barcode Generator?
UPC-E is a compressed form of UPC-A for small packaging such as chewing gum, cosmetics or cigarette packs. Six digits are drawn, and the human-readable text shows eight: the number system (0 or 1), the six digits and the check digit. The bars take only 51 modules against 95 for UPC-A, roughly half the width. Only UPC-A numbers with enough zeros can be compressed, and the process is reversible: a scanner expands the UPC-E back to the full 12-digit number before passing it on.
The closest alternative is UPC-A. When the package has room, the full 12-digit symbol is preferred because every retail system reads it; UPC-E is worth using only when zero suppression applies and space is tight. The international counterpart is EAN-8, which is a separate allocated number rather than a compression of a longer one. Unlike the other UPC digits, the check digit is not drawn as its own symbol: it is encoded in the odd/even parity pattern of the six digits.
When should you use it?
- A North American product package is too small for a full UPC-A.
- You hold a UPC-A whose zeros allow compression and you need the short symbol.
- You want to verify a UPC-E printed on packaging and see the check digit it should have.
- You are testing scanners for UPC-E support, which is sometimes switched off by default.
How UPC-E zero suppression works
Call the six digits d1 to d6 and the number system N. If d6 is 0, 1 or 2, the UPC-A is N d1 d2 d6 0000 d3 d4 d5. If d6 is 3, it is N d1 d2 d3 00000 d4 d5. If d6 is 4, it is N d1 d2 d3 d4 00000 d5. If d6 is 5 to 9, it is N d1 d2 d3 d4 d5 0000 d6. Example: UPC-E digits 425261 with number system 0 expand to 04210000526; its UPC-A check digit is 4, so the UPC-A is 042100005264 and the UPC-E reads 04252614.
Privacy
This tool runs in your browser. What you type, paste or open is processed on your device by JavaScript and is not sent to our servers, stored or shared. Your data stays on your device.
The digits stay in your browser: the check digit is computed locally and the symbol is drawn as SVG without any network request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can any UPC-A be converted to UPC-E?
No. Only numbers whose manufacturer or item portion contains the required runs of zeros can be compressed, and only with number system 0 or 1. If the pattern does not fit, the product has to use UPC-A.
Where is the check digit in the bars?
It is not drawn as a seventh symbol. It is encoded in the odd/even parity pattern of the six digits, which is why the check digit must be computed correctly before the bars are drawn.
What quiet zone and size does UPC-E need?
Leave about 9 modules of blank space on the left and 7 on the right, and keep the 80 % to 200 % magnification range of the GS1 specification. At 100 % a module is about 0.33 mm.
Will a scanner show 8 or 12 digits?
Many scanners expand UPC-E to the 12-digit UPC-A by default, while some can be set to output the 8-digit form. Inventory software should treat both as the same product.
Related tools
UPC-A Barcode Generator
Generate UPC-A barcodes from 11 digits with the check digit added, or validate 12 digits
Open toolUPC Validator
Validate UPC-A and UPC-E codes and expand a UPC-E into its full 12-digit UPC-A
Open toolEAN-13 Barcode Generator
Create EAN-13 barcodes from 12 digits, with the check digit calculated for you
Open toolEAN-8 Barcode Generator
Make an EAN-8 barcode from 7 digits with the check digit calculated for you
Open toolBulk Barcode Generator
Paste up to 500 values, one per line, and export all barcodes as ZIP or PDF
Open toolBarcode Scanner Online
Scan EAN, UPC, Code 128, Data Matrix, PDF417 and more with your camera or an image
Open tool