UPC-A vs. EAN-13: Which Barcode Should You Use?
Choosing between UPC and EAN can be confusing. This guide breaks down the key differences to help you pick the right barcode for your products.
If you're preparing a product for retail, you know you need a barcode. But which one? The two most common options are **UPC-A** and **EAN-13**. While they look similar, they are designed for different markets. Choosing the correct one is essential for selling through major retailers like Amazon and for global distribution.
What is a UPC-A Barcode?
A **UPC-A (Universal Product Code)** is a 12-digit barcode used primarily in the United States and Canada. It's the standard barcode for retail products in North America. If your main market is the US, a UPC is what you need.
What is an EAN-13 Barcode?
An **EAN-13 (European Article Number)** is a 13-digit barcode that is the global standard for retail products outside of North America. The extra digit is a country code, which identifies the country where the barcode was issued.
The Key Difference: Geography
The simplest way to think about it is:
- Selling primarily in the USA & Canada? Use a UPC-A.
- Selling globally or primarily outside North America? Use an EAN-13.
Technically, an EAN-13 is a superset of UPC-A. A 12-digit UPC can be converted to a 13-digit EAN by adding a '0' to the beginning. Because of this, most modern scanners worldwide can read both UPCs and EANs. However, for supply chain and retailer compliance, it's best practice to use the correct format for your target market.
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