What is UPC-E?
Universal Product Code (UPC-E)
8 digits
Since 1974
GS1 US
Example: 04252614
History
UPC-E was developed as part of the original UPC specification to allow barcode identification on small products where a full-width UPC-A symbol would not fit. It uses a zero-suppression technique that compresses certain UPC-A codes into a shorter format while maintaining full data integrity.
Barcode Structure
| Component | Position | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number System | 1 | Always 0 or 1 |
| Compressed Code | 2-7 | Zero-suppressed version of the full UPC-A code |
| Check Digit | 8 | Calculated from the expanded UPC-A equivalent |
Common Use Cases
- Small retail products in North America
- Items with very limited packaging space
- Products that qualify for zero-suppression encoding
Technical Details
UPC-E uses zero-suppression to encode a 12-digit UPC-A number in just 6 data digits (plus number system and check digit). The encoding uses only left-hand character sets (odd and even parity), with the parity pattern determined by the check digit. There is no center guard pattern — only a start guard (101) and a special end guard (010101).
Quick Facts
- • UPC-E is a compressed version of UPC-A that removes zeros to save space
- • Not all UPC-A codes can be converted to UPC-E — only those with specific zero patterns qualify
- • UPC-E barcodes are about half the width of UPC-A barcodes
- • Despite being compact, UPC-E encodes the full 12-digit UPC-A number through a compression algorithm
Specifications
- Standard
- Universal Product Code (UPC-E)
- Length
- 8 digits
- Introduced
- 1974
- Maintained By
- GS1 US
- Example
- 04252614