2D Code Scanner

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UPC-A Barcode

The camera app can scan this. The Zebra app can scan this.

UPC-A is the classic 12-digit barcode on North American products. It was the first retail barcode in widespread use and is fully compatible with EAN-13 scanners, which read it as a 13-digit number with a leading zero.

Also called UPC, Universal Product Code, GTIN-12.

In this family

Specifications

StandardGS1 General Specifications; ISO/IEC 15420
Character setNumeric (0-9)
CapacityFixed 12 digits (11 data + 1 check)
Check digitGS1 modulo 10 check digit
Dimension1D linear
OriginDeveloped by George Laurer at IBM; adopted 1973, first retail scan 1974

Where it is used

Retail point of sale in the USA and Canada

People use it for retail point of sale in the USA and Canada.

The camera app can scan this. The Zebra app can scan this. Both return the raw text.

Example

036000291452

Scan and create

Create this codeCamera appZebra app

Create this code opens the barcode generator with this symbology and the sample text filled in.

The camera app can scan this. It returns the raw text. It does not open links, look up products, or start a payment. The desktop companion types that text into the focused field.

The Zebra app can scan this. It returns the raw text.

Questions

What is the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13?

UPC-A is the classic 12-digit barcode on North American products. Character set: Numeric (0-9). The camera app can scan this. It returns the raw text. The Zebra app can scan this.

How do I calculate a UPC-A check digit?

The check rule is: GS1 modulo 10 check digit. When an app can scan the symbol, it returns the characters it read and does not label one of them as a check. The camera app can scan this. It returns the raw text. The Zebra app can scan this.

Can I scan UPC barcodes with my phone?

The camera app can scan this. It returns the raw text. The Zebra app can scan this.