EAN-8
Published by the QRinsec Editorial Team — practical documentation about QR codes, barcode standards, and QRinsec’s client-side tools. Content is reviewed against product testing and published technical documentation from sources such as GS1, Denso Wave, and ISO standards where applicable.
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EAN-8 is a compressed 8-digit version of EAN (a GTIN-8) created for products too small for a full EAN-13.
Important Notice
EAN-8 codes are allocated by GS1 — you cannot self-assign them by truncating an EAN-13.
Important Notice
Only use EAN-8 when product surface area genuinely cannot accommodate EAN-13.
Key Facts
- Digits
- 8 (GTIN-8)
- Region
- Global
- Standard
- GS1 (ISO/IEC 15420)
- Check Digit
- Modulo 10
- Nominal Width
- 26.73 mm @ 100%
What is an EAN-8 barcode?
EAN-8 is a shortened version of EAN-13 designed for small retail items where a full-size barcode would not fit — think lipstick tubes, cigarette lighters, and small confectionery. It encodes 8 digits: a 2–4 digit GS1 prefix, a variable item reference, and a Modulo 10 check digit. EAN-8 barcodes are issued by your local GS1 member organisation and are not self-assignable.
The 8 digits explained
Digits 1–3: GS1 country/company prefix (shorter than in EAN-13). Digits 4–7: item reference assigned by the brand owner. Digit 8: Modulo 10 check digit. Because the prefix pool is smaller, GS1 allocates EAN-8 codes centrally — brands cannot self-assign item references as freely as with EAN-13.
Check digit algorithm (Modulo 10)
- Write the 7 known digits.
- Multiply odd-position digits (1,3,5,7) by 3.
- Multiply even-position digits (2,4,6) by 1.
- Sum all products.
- Check digit = (10 − (sum mod 10)) mod 10.
Example for 9638507_: Odd (9,3,5,7)×3=72. Even (6,8,0)×1=14. Total=86. Check=(10−6)=4 → 96385074.
EAN-8 vs. EAN-13 vs. UPC-E
EAN-8 and UPC-E both target small packaging, but UPC-E is only valid in North America while EAN-8 is used globally. EAN-13 is the standard for normal-sized retail items. Scanners that read EAN-13 also read EAN-8 natively.
When to use EAN-8
Apply EAN-8 only when the product surface is genuinely too small for EAN-13 (minimum surface for EAN-13 is ~37 mm wide). Request EAN-8 allocation through your national GS1 member organisation — do not simply truncate an EAN-13.
Printing requirements
Nominal size: 26.73 mm × 21.64 mm. Magnification range: 80%–200%. Quiet zones: 7× module width each side. Minimum bar height must not be truncated below 69% of symbol width. Always test with a GS1-compliant verifier.
Common scanning failures
Small item curvature is the primary issue for EAN-8 — a barcode printed on a cylindrical surface bows the bars and increases misreads. Use high-resolution flexographic printing and test on the actual package geometry before production.
Comparison
| Feature | EAN-8 | EAN-13 | UPC-E |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data Capacity | 8 digits | 13 digits | 6 digits |
| Assignment | GS1 allocated | Self-assigned | Derived from UPC-A |
| Primary Use | Small items | Standard retail | Small NA items |
| Global Valid? | Yes | Yes | North America only |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert an EAN-13 to EAN-8 myself?
No. EAN-8 codes are centrally allocated by your GS1 member organisation. Truncating an EAN-13 creates an invalid barcode.
Do all supermarket scanners read EAN-8?
Yes. EAN-8 is part of the EAN/UPC family and is supported by all GS1-compliant point-of-sale scanners worldwide.
What is the minimum product size for EAN-8?
GS1 recommends EAN-8 when the available label width is less than approximately 37 mm — the minimum for a 100% EAN-13.
Is EAN-8 the same as GTIN-8?
Yes. EAN-8 encodes an 8-digit GTIN-8. The terms are interchangeable in GS1 documentation.
How many item references can a company have with EAN-8?
Very few — typically a few hundred per prefix allocation. The limited pool is why GS1 controls assignments centrally.
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