What Is the Difference Between a UPC and an EAN?
What Is the Difference Between a UPC and an EAN?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode primarily used in the United States and Canada.
An EAN (European Article Number), also known as EAN-13 or GTIN-13, is a 13-digit barcode used throughout Europe and most international markets.
In many cases, an EAN is simply a UPC with a leading zero, meaning both formats can represent the same underlying product number and work similarly in most retail systems. Many retailers outside North America accept UPCs, and most North American retailers accept EANs.
Speedy Barcodes provides both UPC and EAN formats so you can choose the version that best fits your selling regions.
Related Questions
- What Is a UPC Barcode and How Does It Work?
- What Is an EAN (EAN-13 or GTIN-13) Barcode?
- What Is a Check Digit in a Barcode Number?
- Why Does My Company Name Not Show When I Scan My Barcode with a Smartphone App?
- What Size and Format Are the Barcode Images?
- Do UPC or EAN Barcodes Contain My Company or Product Information?
BACK