UPC-E
The zero-suppressed compressed UPC for small packages — 8 printed digits that expand to a full 12-digit UPC-A.
UPC-E Specification
| Character set | Digits 0-9 only (the underlying UPC-A must meet zero-suppression rules) |
| Data length | 6 encoded data digits + system digit + check digit; expands to 12 |
| Check digit | Mandatory Mod 10 check digit (same as the underlying UPC-A) |
| Density | 51 modules total — about 55% of UPC-A width |
| Module width (X-dimension) | Nominal 0.33 mm X at 100% magnification |
| Print ratio | Variable-width bars and spaces |
| Magnification | 80%-200% of nominal |
| Quiet zone | 9X on each side |
| Standard | GS1 General Specifications; symbology basis ISO/IEC 15420 |
| Origin | George Laurer, IBM, 1973 |
| Sample data | 01234565 |
Try It: Generate a UPC-E Barcode
This live generator is preconfigured for UPC-E. Adjust size, colors, and text — then download as PNG or SVG. Free, no signup, all encoding happens in your browser.
What Is UPC-E?
UPC-E is UPC-A with the zeros squeezed out. Only UPC-A numbers whose company prefix and item reference together contain enough zeros can be compressed: the encoder drops them and encodes the remaining digits into roughly half the width, while a parity pattern derived from the dropped zeros lets the scanner reconstruct the full 12-digit number on the fly. The printed symbol shows 8 characters — the numbering system digit, six compressed data digits, and a check digit.
It exists for small packages: lip balm, single candy bars, greeting cards. Retailers should note that scanners transmit the expanded 12-digit UPC-A equivalent, not the 8 printed digits, so databases must store the full number. An EAN-13 equivalent (UPC-E with leading 0) also exists and scans identically worldwide.
Common Applications
- Small retail packages in the US and Canada
- Compact products where UPC-A will not fit
- Any zero-suppressible GTIN-12 item
Related Barcode Types
The original 12-digit retail barcode of the United States and Canada, and direct ancestor of EAN-13.
The 8-digit short-form retail barcode for very small packages where EAN-13 will not fit.
The 13-digit retail point-of-sale barcode used on consumer products worldwide outside North America.
UPC-E FAQ
Can any UPC-A be converted to UPC-E?
No. Zero-suppression only works when the UPC-A structure contains a run of at least four consecutive zeros in specific positions — a company prefix ending in 000-999 with single-digit item reference, or the other defined patterns. Most modern 11-digit numbers do not qualify and must print full size.
What does a UPC-E scanner actually transmit?
The expanded, original 12-digit UPC-A number. The compression is purely visual — the parity encoding of the dropped zeros lets the scanner rebuild them deterministically, so the host system never sees the 8-digit printed form.