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Build a Sample U.P.C. Barcode

Use your U.P.C. Company Prefix to create and view practice barcodes

The number in a U.P.C. barcode (called a GTIN®) is typically 12 digits long. This tool helps illustrate how you create a GTIN-12

  • It starts with your U.P.C. Company Prefix that was assigned to your company when it became a member of GS1 US. Your U.P.C. Company Prefix could be between six and ten digits long
  • The next one to five digits are for the item reference numbers that you will assign to your unique product variations
  • The 12th digit is called the check digit, which is calculated based on the other numbers in the GTIN-12 and ensures accuracy

     

Create Your GTIN-12

GS1 Company Prefix Certificate image

1. Find your GS1 Company Prefix Certificate to get your U.P.C. Company Prefix. Your company received this certificate when it became a member of GS1 US®.

If you don't have a copy of your GS1 Company Prefix certificate, you can log in to myGS1 US and view or download a copy.

2. Follow the instructions on the wizard below.

Now that you know how to create a GTIN-12, explore these resources for creating more GTIN-12s and U.P.C. barcodes:

  • GS1 Foundations Online Certificate Course – Gain a solid understanding of GS1 Standards with our self-paced online modules and earn a professional credential o Remove GS1 US University button
  • Solution Provider Finder – Find a GS1 US Solution Provider to create your GTINs and barcodes for you
  • GS1 US Data Hub® | Product – Identify your products and create barcodes in a tool that backs up your product data in a secure environment. With GS1 US Data Hub | Product, you can create barcodes and manage and share your products. You currently need to be issued an annual GS1 Company Prefix to access GS1 US Data Hub | Product
  • Get Started Guide – Learn more about creating product identification, choosing the right barcode type, getting the barcodes on your products, and more
  • GS1 US University – Improve your use of GS1 Standards with live online training classes, in-person workshops and certification classes, self-paced online learning, and videos
In this publication, the letters “U.P.C.” are used solely as an abbreviation for the “Universal Product Code”, which is a product identification system. They do not refer to the UPC, which is a federally registered certification mark of the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) to certify compliance with a Uniform Plumbing Code as authorized by IAPMO.