Quick answer: paste your 12-digit UPC-A. If it has enough zeros in the right places it is converted to the 8-digit UPC-E automatically; if not, you are told so and should use UPC-A. You can also type the 6 middle digits of a UPC-E directly.
How zero suppression works
A UPC-E is not a separate number. It is a UPC-A with some zeros removed, and every scanner expands it back to the full 12 digits before looking it up. That only works when the UPC-A has zeros in specific places. The last of the six UPC-E digits tells the scanner which pattern was used:
| UPC-A (number system 0) | Pattern | UPC-E |
|---|---|---|
| 0 12000 00345 c | manufacturer ends in 000, 100 or 200 | 12 345 0 |
| 0 12300 00045 c | manufacturer ends in 00, item ≤ 99 | 123 45 3 |
| 0 12340 00005 c | manufacturer ends in 0, item ≤ 9 | 1234 5 4 |
| 0 12345 00007 c | item 5–9 | 12345 7 |
Because of these rules, only companies with UPC prefixes that end in zeros can use UPC-E at all, and only for a handful of item numbers. GS1 US assigns such prefixes specifically for that purpose.
How to create a UPC-E barcode
- Enter the number. Paste the full UPC-A, or type the UPC-E’s 6 digits (number system 0 is assumed) or 7 digits (number system 0 or 1).
- Read the message. The tool shows the UPC-A that the UPC-E stands for. The check digit is always the one of that UPC-A.
- Check the scan test. A tick means a scanner reads it back as the right number.
- Download. Choose SVG or PDF for packaging artwork, PNG for labels.
Size and placement
At 100 % (bar width 0.33 mm) a UPC-E is 22.11 × 25.91 mm – less than two thirds of the width of a UPC-A. Keep 9 bar widths of white on the left and 7 on the right. The number system digit and the check digit are printed outside the bars in smaller type, just like on UPC-A.
Worked example
Take the UPC-A 042100005264. The manufacturer part is 42100 and the item part is 00526. The manufacturer number ends in 100 and the item number is below 1000, so the first rule applies: keep 42, take the last three item digits 526, and add the third manufacturer digit 1 as the pattern digit – 425261. With number system 0 in front and the original check digit 4 at the end, the UPC-E is 04252614. Type either number into the generator and you get the same barcode.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my UPC-A not convert?
It does not have the zeros UPC-E needs, so a short version does not exist. Print the full UPC-A or ask GS1 US about a prefix suitable for UPC-E.
Is a UPC-E the same product number as its UPC-A?
Yes. Scanners expand the UPC-E to the UPC-A, so the shop’s system sees exactly the same 12-digit number.
What number systems can UPC-E use?
0 and 1. Other number systems cannot be zero-suppressed.
Why is the check digit different from the UPC-E digits?
The check digit is always calculated from the full UPC-A, not from the 6 visible digits. This tool does that for you.
Can I use UPC-E outside North America?
Scanners everywhere read it, but outside the US and Canada EAN-8 is the more common short barcode.
Can I make up my own UPC-E?
Only for internal use. For retail, the UPC-E must come from a UPC-A company prefix assigned by GS1 US that allows zero suppression.