About the Barcode Scanner
This online barcode scanner reads the barcodes printed on products, books and shipping labels from a picture or a live camera, and turns them into numbers and text – no scanner hardware or app needed, on desktop or mobile.
For retail barcodes (EAN-13, UPC-A, UPC-E) it also shows the GS1 prefix (for example 000–139 = USA & Canada), whether the check digit is valid and, for books, the ISBN-10. If a barcode is too damaged to scan, type the digits into the box below to check them.
How to use
- Click Choose a barcode image to upload a photo, or paste a screenshot with Ctrl+V.
- To use a camera, click Scan with camera and hold the barcode horizontally so it fills the box.
- See the barcode type, number, GS1 prefix and check digit. If a picture has several barcodes, all of them are listed.
- Use Copy number or Search the web to look up the product.
Supported barcode types
| Type | Length | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| UPC-A / UPC-E | 12 / 8 digits | Retail products in the US and Canada |
| EAN-13 | 13 digits | Retail products worldwide, books (ISBN) |
| EAN-8 | 8 digits | Small packages |
| Code 128 | Variable, letters and digits | Shipping labels, logistics, inventory |
| Code 39 | Variable, letters and digits | Industrial and asset labels |
| ITF / ITF-14 | Even number of digits | Cartons and outer cases |
| Codabar, GS1 DataBar | Variable | Libraries, blood banks, fresh produce |
2D codes such as QR, Data Matrix and PDF417 are read too. To see Wi-Fi or contact details from a QR code nicely formatted, use the QR Code Scanner.
What the first digits (GS1 prefix) mean
The first two or three digits of an EAN-13 identify the GS1 member organization that issued the company prefix. A UPC-A code is an EAN-13 with a leading 0, so US and Canadian products fall in 000–139.
| Prefix | Country or use |
|---|---|
| 000–019, 060–139 | USA & Canada |
| 500–509 | United Kingdom |
| 400–440 | Germany |
| 450–459, 490–499 | Japan |
| 690–699 | China |
| 930–939 | Australia |
| 978–979 | Books (ISBN) |
| 977 | Magazines and periodicals (ISSN) |
| 020–029, 200–299 | In-store use (weighed items, store labels) |
Keep in mind that the prefix shows where the company registered its barcode, not the country of origin. Check the packaging for where a product was actually made.
How the check digit is calculated
The last digit of a UPC or EAN is calculated from the others. Starting from the right, multiply the digits alternately by 3 and 1, add them up, and subtract the last digit of the sum from 10 (a result of 10 becomes 0).
Example: 03600029145 → sum 58 → 10 − 8 = 2, so the full UPC-A is 036000291452. A mistyped number almost always fails this test.
FAQ
Can I see the product name or price from a barcode?
No – a barcode only stores a number. To find the product, use the “Search the web” button or a product database such as GS1’s Verified by GS1 lookup.
Does a US prefix (000–139) mean the product was made in the USA?
Not necessarily. It only means the company registered its barcode with GS1 US. Imported goods and products made abroad can carry it too; the label on the package tells you the country of origin.
The barcode won’t scan – what can I do?
Fill the box with the barcode held horizontally, keep it in focus about 10–20 cm (4–8 in) from the lens, and tilt shiny packaging slightly to avoid glare. If it still fails, type the digits printed under the bars into “Check a barcode number”.
Are my photos or camera images stored?
No. Everything is processed in your browser and no image or video is sent or saved anywhere.