EAN-13 vs EAN-8 Format Differences
Quick Answer: What’s the Main Difference? The big […]
Quick Answer: What’s the Main Difference?
The biggest difference between these two barcode formats is their size and digit count. Imagine walking through a supermarket. Most products you see have EAN-13 barcodes. These barcodes contain 13 numbers and are about 4 centimeters wide. They work perfectly for regular-sized items like cereal boxes or shampoo bottles.
On the other hand, EAN-8 barcodes contain only 8 numbers. They are much smaller, usually between 1.8 to 2.4 centimeters wide. Manufacturers use these tiny barcodes for small items that wouldn’t have enough space for a regular barcode. Think about a small pack of gum or a miniature cosmetic product.
Full Comparison: Breaking Down the Barcode Formats
1. Number Count Matters
How Many Numbers Each Format Has
EAN-13 barcodes contain exactly 13 digits. Here’s an example: 1234567890123. Each digit in this sequence carries specific information about the product and where it comes from.
EAN-8 barcodes are much shorter with only 8 digits. Here’s an example: 12345670. Despite having fewer digits, these barcodes still provide all necessary information for tracking and selling the product.
Why Barcode Length is Important
The length of a barcode matters for several reasons. Here’s a comparison table that shows how EAN-13 and EAN-8 differ:
| Feature | EAN-13 | EAN-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Books, food boxes, electronics | Candy bars, cosmetics, sample sizes |
| Space needed | About 4 cm wide | 1.8-2.4 cm wide |
| Common places | Supermarkets, retail stores | Small product labels, compact packaging |
Manufacturers choose barcode formats based on their product size. If a product has enough packaging space, EAN-13 is the standard choice. For tiny items, EAN-8 provides a practical solution.
2. What the Numbers Mean
Barcode Number Breakdown
Understanding what the numbers in barcodes represent helps explain why different formats exist.
EAN-13 Structure:
- First 3 numbers: Country code (ex: 690=China, 00-19=USA/Canada)
- Next 9 numbers: Product & company details
- Last number: Check digit (verification code)
EAN-8 Structure:
- First 3 numbers: Country code
- Next 4 numbers: Product details
- Last number: Check digit
The check digit serves as a security feature. It’s calculated using a special mathematical formula called MOD 10. This final digit helps prevent scanning errors. When a scanner reads a barcode, it performs this calculation to verify the barcode is valid.
The Check Digit Trick
Both EAN-13 and EAN-8 use this clever system. The check digit makes sure that even if the barcode gets slightly damaged or smudged, the scanner can still read it correctly. This reduces errors at checkout counters and helps stores keep accurate inventory records.
3. When Each Barcode Format is Used
Common EAN-13 Use Cases
EAN-13 barcodes appear on most products you find in regular stores. Here are some examples:
- Food packages (cereal boxes, chips bags, canned goods)
- Books and magazines (including the ISBN number)
- Electronics boxes (phones, laptops, accessories)
- Shampoo bottles and other personal care products
- Clothing tags and retail packaging
These products typically have enough space for the larger barcode format. Retail stores prefer EAN-13 because it provides more detailed product information.
Common EAN-8 Use Cases
EAN-8 barcodes are designed for small items. Here are some examples:
- Small cosmetics (lipsticks, sample sizes, miniature perfume bottles)
- Mini snack packs (small candy bars, gum packs)
- Small medical items (band-aid packs, travel-sized first aid kits)
- Gift cards with limited space
- Small jewelry items or product samples
Manufacturers choose EAN-8 when their product packaging cannot accommodate a larger barcode. These tiny barcodes still contain all necessary information while fitting on small surfaces.
FAQ
How do I know if my product needs EAN-8 or EAN-13?
If your product is smaller than a credit card, EAN-8 might be better. Most regular-sized items use EAN-13. When designing your packaging, measure the space available. If you can fit a 4 cm wide barcode comfortably, choose EAN-13. For very limited space, EAN-8 is the better option.
Can I convert EAN-13 to EAN-8?
No, they’re different systems. Small product makers need to apply for new EAN-8 codes through GS1 associations. Converting an existing EAN-13 to EAN-8 isn’t possible as they have different structures and information capacities.
Do EAN-8 scanners read both formats?
Yes! Store scanners can read EAN-8 and EAN-13 equally well. The different lengths don’t affect scanning. Modern barcode scanners are designed to recognize both formats automatically. This makes checkout processes smooth regardless of which barcode format a product uses.
Which barcode format costs more to obtain?
EAN-13 codes typically cost more than EAN-8 codes. The exact price varies by country and GS1 membership fees. Smaller businesses producing very limited quantities of small items might find EAN-8 more economical. However, most companies choose EAN-13 for its versatility and wider compatibility.