GS1 DataBar Limited
The smallest GS1 DataBar — a 14-digit GTIN with indicator 0 or 1 in a symbol just 50 modules wide.
GS1 DataBar Limited Specification
| Character set | Digits 0-9 only (indicator restricted to 0 or 1) |
| Data length | Exactly 14 digits (13 data + Mod 10 check) |
| Check digit | Mandatory Mod 10 check digit |
| Density | 14 digits in 50×33 modules — the smallest GS1 linear symbol |
| 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; end guard bars provide orientation cues |
| Standard | GS1 General Specifications |
| Origin | GS1 (as RSS Limited, renamed 2007), 2001 |
| Sample data | (01)09521234543213 |
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What Is GS1 DataBar Limited?
GS1 DataBar Limited is the compact end of the DataBar family: it encodes a GTIN-14 whose indicator digit is 0 or 1 — in practice, a zero-suppressed GTIN-13 product number — plus check digit, in a symbol only 50 modules wide and 33 high. A tall guard-bar structure at each end both frames the symbol and enforces correct orientation.
The catch is in the name: Limited is limited in scan geometry. It is intended for handheld scanners, not the omnidirectional presentation scanners at checkout, and only for indicator digits 0/1. That makes it a niche tool for very small health and beauty items and hard-to-mark products scanned by handheld readers in pharmacy and healthcare retail.
Common Applications
- Very small health and beauty items
- Hard-to-mark products scanned by handheld readers
- Pharmacy and healthcare retail small-item marking
Related Barcode Types
The full-height 14-digit GS1 DataBar that scans from any angle at retail POS — successor to EAN/UPC for tiny items.
The two-row stacked DataBar — 14-digit GTIN in a square-ish footprint for fresh produce stickers.
The 8-digit short-form retail barcode for very small packages where EAN-13 will not fit.
GS1 DataBar Limited FAQ
Why is DataBar Limited only scannable by handheld scanners?
Its compact pattern lacks the tall continuous bar signature that presentation scanners sweep for. GS1 designates it for handheld scanning only — putting it on a checkout conveyor belt risks failed reads. If POS omnidirectional scanning is required, use DataBar Omnidirectional or Stacked.
What GTINs can DataBar Limited encode?
Only 14-digit numbers whose first (indicator) digit is 0 or 1 — effectively consumer-unit GTIN-13s and 0-padded GTIN-12s. Case-level numbers with indicator 2-8 need DataBar Omnidirectional or other carriers.