January 5, 2026 QRCodeer Team
EAN-13 vs UPC-A: Which Barcode Should You Choose?
Confused about retail barcode standards? Here is everything you need to know before labeling your products.
Global vs Regional Standards
If you're selling products in retail stores, you need a barcode. The two most common are EAN-13 and UPC-A. But which one do you need? UPC-A is a 12-digit format primarily used in North America (US and Canada). EAN-13 is a 13-digit format used everywhere else in the world.
Compatibility
Modern barcode scanners are designed to read both formats seamlessly. However, some older systems in the US might struggle with EAN-13, which is why UPC-A remains dominant there.
Generate and Print
Once you have your officially assigned GS1 numbers, you can generate the graphic files using our Barcode Maker. You can then use our Print Layout tool to organize them onto A4 sticker sheets.