The Legacy of UPC-A
First introduced in 1974, the UPC-A (Universal Product Code) was the catalyst for the modern automated retail industry. It was designed to uniquely identify product items at the point of sale across the United States and Canada. Today, it remains the standard for North American retail commerce.
A UPC-A barcode consists of 12 digits: a single-digit Number System Character, a five-digit Manufacturer Code, a five-digit Product Code, and a final Modulo-10 Check Digit. It is essentially a subset of the global EAN-13 standard.
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Each digit in a UPC-A barcode is represented by a unique pattern of two bars and two spaces. The encoding process involves transforming the 12 digits into a sequence of binary-like modules. The structure includes Guard Patterns (Start, Middle, and Stop) that synchronize the scanner's interpretation of the bar widths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is UPC-A?
UPC-A (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode used for identifying products sold in stores, particularly in the United States and Canada. The code includes a company prefix, a product number, and a final check digit.
What is the difference between UPC-A and EAN-13?
Both are 12-digit codes for retail products, but UPC-A is primarily used in North America, while EAN-13 is a global standard. EAN-13 includes a country code prefix, whereas UPC-A does not. However, most scanners can read both types.
How many digits are required to generate a UPC-A barcode?
To generate a valid UPC-A barcode, you must enter exactly 11 digits. Our tool will automatically calculate and add the 12th checksum digit for you.