EAN-13 (European Article Number) is the standard 13-digit barcode used on retail products worldwide. It is functionally equivalent to UPC-A with a leading digit, and is the format printed on most packaged goods.

How is the check digit calculated?

Each of the first 12 digits is multiplied by an alternating weight of 1 and 3, starting with weight 1 on the first digit. The sum is taken mod 10, and the check digit is whatever number rounds that sum up to the next multiple of 10.

Can I enter 13 digits instead of 12?

Yes. If you enter 13 digits, the tool checks whether the 13th digit matches the computed check digit and shows the corrected value if it does not.

Will this barcode scan with a real scanner?

Yes. The bar pattern follows the standard EAN-13 L/G/R encoding tables, so it scans correctly with retail barcode scanners and camera-based scanning apps.

Is my product number sent to a server?

No. The check digit calculation and barcode rendering happen entirely in your browser. Nothing is transmitted or stored.

How is this different from the Code128 barcode generator?

The Code128 tool encodes arbitrary text or numbers in a general-purpose symbology. This tool is specific to EAN-13: a fixed 13-digit numeric retail barcode with a computed check digit, using the L/G/R bar pattern that scanners expect for product barcodes.

EAN 13 Barcode Generator

Type a 12-digit product number and get a scannable EAN-13 barcode with the check digit computed automatically.

Product Number

12 or 13 Digits

Enter the first 12 digits and the check digit is added automatically, or enter all 13 to validate.

Bar Height: 80 px

Enter a 12 or 13-digit number on the left to generate a barcode

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Summary

This tool builds standard EAN-13 retail barcodes entirely in your browser. Enter the first 12 digits of a product number and the 13th check digit is calculated automatically using the standard mod-10 algorithm with alternating 1x/3x weights. If you already have all 13 digits, the tool validates the check digit and flags a mismatch. The result renders as a scannable bar pattern with the digits printed underneath, ready to download as a PNG.

How it works

Type the first 12 digits of your product number (or all 13, including an existing check digit).
The tool computes the correct check digit using the EAN-13 mod-10 weighting.
A scannable barcode renders instantly with the 13 digits printed below the bars.
If you entered 13 digits and the check digit does not match, a warning shows the corrected value.
Click "Download PNG" to save the barcode image for packaging or labels.

Use cases

Generate a retail barcode for a new product listing.
Verify the check digit on an existing EAN-13/UPC number.
Create printable barcodes for small-batch or private-label packaging.
Test barcode scanning in a point-of-sale or inventory system.
Produce barcode images for catalogs or product spec sheets.
Double-check a GTIN-13 before submitting it to a retailer or marketplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-09-09 · Reviewed by Nham Vu