Calculate EAN-8 and EAN-13 check digits
Check EAN numbers before using them in retail barcode artwork.
EAN check digit
ValidateEAN-13 check digit
712 digits enteredWhen to check an EAN number
EAN check digits are there to catch mistakes in the number, not to approve a product for sale. Use this page before generating artwork so a typo does not become a printed label problem.
Catch EAN typos early
One wrong digit can send retail artwork back for revision.
- Calculate the digit before building the final barcode.
- Check the finished thirteen digit value against your source file.
- Keep a copy of the approved number with the artwork.
The calculator helps with arithmetic, but it cannot verify ownership.
Calculate an EAN check digit
- Enter 7 digits to calculate an EAN-8 check digit or 12 digits to calculate an EAN-13 check digit.
- Enter a full EAN-8 or EAN-13 number to validate the existing final digit.
- Compare the result with the number in your product record.
- Fix any typo before generating the EAN barcode.
- Scan a printed barcode proof after generating artwork.
Where EAN checks help
- EAN-13 packaging
- EAN-8 small labels
- Print proof checks
EAN number checks
- EAN check digits help catch mistakes in product numbers before artwork reaches print.
- EAN-13 is common on retail packaging. EAN-8 is used when space is limited.
- Run the check digit calculator before generating barcode artwork to catch typos early.
EAN check digit mistakes to avoid
- Entering the wrong length for EAN-8 or EAN-13 and trusting the result anyway.
- Dropping leading zeros when copying values from a spreadsheet.
- Skipping validation before sending EAN artwork to packaging or label design.
EAN check digit questions
How do I calculate an EAN-13 check digit?
Enter the first 12 digits. The calculator applies the EAN modulo 10 rule and returns the 13th digit.
Can this validate EAN-8 too?
Yes. Enter the full EAN-8 number to validate it or enter the first 7 digits to calculate the final digit.
Should I validate before printing?
Yes. It is a quick way to catch typing errors before you generate or print barcode artwork.
Is the check digit calculation the same for EAN-8 and EAN-13?
Both use the same modulo-10 algorithm with alternating weights of 1 and 3, but EAN-8 has fewer digits so the position of each weight shifts. The calculator handles both automatically.
When should I use EAN-8 instead of EAN-13?
EAN-8 is for very small products where a full EAN-13 barcode physically will not fit, like small cosmetics, candy bars or pencils. EAN-8 codes are usually requested individually from GS1 rather than derived from a company prefix.
Can I calculate the check digit by hand?
Yes. Multiply each digit by its weight (alternating 1 and 3 from right to left), sum the results and find what brings the total to the next multiple of 10. But using the calculator is faster and avoids arithmetic mistakes.
Should I validate the EAN before sending artwork to the printer?
Always. A wrong check digit means the barcode will fail at the register. Running the number through the calculator takes seconds and can save a costly reprint.
More tools for EAN barcodes
Barcode Check Digit Calculator
Calculate or validate the last digit used by many retail barcode numbers.
EAN-13 Barcode Generator
Generate EAN-13 barcode artwork for retail products, with check digit validation built in.
GTIN Validator
Validate common GTIN lengths with the standard modulo 10 check digit rule.
Free Barcode Generator
Pick a barcode format, enter a value and download print-ready artwork with check digit validation.