GS1 DataBar Expanded
The variable-length DataBar carrying GTIN plus extra AI data — weights, dates, lot numbers — on fresh food.
GS1 DataBar Expanded Specification
| Character set | GS1 AI element strings — numeric AIs with some alphanumeric fields (max 41 alpha / 74 numeric chars) |
| Data length | Variable; up to 74 numeric or 41 alphanumeric characters of AI data |
| Check digit | GTIN Mod 10 check digit embedded in the AI (01) element; no separate symbol check digit |
| Density | Varies with data length; stacked variants trade width for height |
| Module width (X-dimension) | 0.25-0.50 mm typical |
| Print ratio | Variable-width bars and spaces |
| Magnification | X-dimension 0.25 mm minimum |
| Quiet zone | 1X recommended |
| Standard | GS1 General Specifications |
| Origin | GS1 (as RSS Expanded, renamed 2007), 2001 |
| Sample data | (01)09521234543213(3103)000123 |
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What Is GS1 DataBar Expanded?
GS1 DataBar Expanded (formerly RSS Expanded) is the heavyweight of the DataBar family: a variable-length symbol that carries an AI (01) GTIN plus additional Application Identifier element strings — net weight (310x), price (392x), best-before (15), lot (10) — up to 74 numeric or 41 alphanumeric characters. Long symbols can be printed as a single row or split into stacked rows (Expanded Stacked) to fit label proportions.
Its real-world niche is weigh-scan labeling of fresh and variable-measure food: the scale prints the product GTIN together with actual weight and price in one symbol, and the checkout scans the total instead of keying a PLU. Because it can also carry dates and lots, it appears on some short-shelf-life prepackaged goods where full traceability data pays for its label space.
Common Applications
- Weigh-scale labels for fresh food (weight + price + GTIN)
- Variable-measure prepackaged goods
- Short-shelf-life items needing date/lot data at POS
Related Barcode Types
The two-row stacked DataBar — 14-digit GTIN in a square-ish footprint for fresh produce stickers.
The full-height 14-digit GS1 DataBar that scans from any angle at retail POS — successor to EAN/UPC for tiny items.
Code 128 carrying GS1 Application Identifier element strings — the standard barcode of global logistics.
GS1 DataBar Expanded FAQ
What AIs can I put in a DataBar Expanded?
The GTIN in AI (01) is mandatory and must come first; then GS1's Expanded-specific dictionary applies — weight (310x/320x), price (392x), best-before (15), lot (10), and related fields. Not every AI allowed in GS1-128 is allowed here; the GS1 General Specifications table marks which AIs are permitted in DataBar Expanded.
When should I choose DataBar Expanded over GS1-128?
DataBar Expanded wins when the symbol must be scannable at POS by the same omnidirectional readers that scan EAN/UPC — weigh-scale fresh food is the canonical case. GS1-128 wins for back-room and logistics scanning, longer data, and the full AI dictionary. They coexist by design.