GTIN vs. EAN vs. UPC
The three terms describe the same family of numbers seen from different eras and regions. GTIN is the umbrella term GS1 uses today; EAN and UPC are historic names for specific lengths.
The short answer
Every EAN and every UPC is a GTIN. The difference is the number of digits and where the number came from.
- GTIN-8 – formerly EAN-8, for very small packs.
- GTIN-12 – formerly UPC-A, the North American retail number.
- GTIN-13 – formerly EAN-13, the worldwide retail standard.
- GTIN-14 – formerly EAN-14/ITF-14, for cases, cartons and pallet layers.
Converting between them
A GTIN-12 becomes a GTIN-13 by adding a leading zero; a GTIN-13 becomes a GTIN-14 by adding a packaging indicator in front and recalculating the check digit. In databases, GS1 recommends storing every GTIN right-aligned in a 14-digit field, padded with zeros.
Which one do you print?
The number is data, the barcode is the carrier. Consumer units in Europe carry an EAN-13 symbol, in the USA usually a UPC-A. Cases and cartons carry an ITF-14 symbol holding the GTIN-14. When batch, best-before or serial data must travel with the item, use GS1-128 or GS1 DataMatrix.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need separate numbers for EAN and UPC?
- No. One GTIN identifies the product. Retailers' systems pad or trim the digits as needed.
- Where do I get a GTIN?
- The company prefix inside the number is assigned by your national GS1 member organisation. No generator can create a legitimate prefix for you.
- Is the check digit part of the GTIN?
- Yes. The last digit is always the mod-10 check digit and belongs to the number.