EAN-13 vs UPC: Which Barcode Should You Use? (Complete Guide

If you're working with barcodes, you've probably asked: 👉 Should I use EAN-13 or UPC? 👉 Are they the same? 👉 Which one does Amazon require? Let’s break it down in the simplest way possible. What is EAN-13? EAN-13 (European Article Number) is a 13-digit barcode used internationally. It’s the most common barcode format worldwide and is widely accepted in retail systems. Example: 1234567890123 What is UPC? UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit barcode mainly used in the United States and Canada. Example: 123456789012 Key Differences Between EAN-13 and UPC Feature| EAN-13| UPC Digits| 13| 12 Usage| Global| US & Canada Format| International standard| Regional standard Amazon Compatibility| Yes| Yes Can You Convert UPC to EAN-13? Yes. EAN-13 is basically a UPC with a leading zero. So: UPC: 123456789012 EAN-13: 0123456789012 This is why many systems treat them as compatible. Which Barcode Should You Use? Use EAN-13 if: You sell internationally You want global compatibility Use UPC if: Yo