EAN-8 Barcode Generator — Free & Instant
EAN-8 is a compact version of EAN-13 designed for small product packaging where a full 13-digit barcode will not fit. Commonly used on small bottles, tins, lip balms, and miniature product packaging.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about ean-8 barcode generator
When should I use EAN-8 instead of EAN-13?
Use EAN-8 only when your product packaging is physically too small to accommodate an EAN-13 at the minimum scannable size (37mm wide). EAN-13 should always be the first choice — EAN-8 is reserved for genuinely small packaging like lip balm tubes, mini sachets, and single-serve packets.
How many digits does EAN-8 have?
8 digits total — 7 data digits plus 1 check digit calculated automatically. Enter 7 digits and the generator appends the correct 8th check digit.
Does EAN-8 scan the same as EAN-13 at retail counters?
Yes. All modern retail scanners and POS systems read both EAN-8 and EAN-13 without any configuration change. From the scanner's perspective, they work identically.
Do I need GS1 registration for an EAN-8 barcode?
Yes — EAN-8 numbers are GS1-allocated, not freely chosen. Unlike internal inventory barcodes, EAN-8 is a retail standard and GS1 allocates the numbers to ensure global uniqueness. Self-assigned EAN-8 numbers are not valid for retail distribution.
What is the minimum print size for an EAN-8 barcode?
The GS1 minimum is 26.73mm × 21.64mm (at 100% magnification). This is significantly smaller than EAN-13's minimum, which is why EAN-8 exists for small packaging. Even at minimum size, maintain the white quiet zones on left and right for reliable scanning.
How is EAN-8 different from UPC-E?
Both are compact formats for small packaging. UPC-E is used mainly in the US and Canada and is a compressed form of UPC-A. EAN-8 is used internationally. They serve the same purpose in their respective markets. Most international products should use EAN-8 rather than UPC-E.
Who Is This For
Very small products — lip balms, tiny sachets, miniature bottles, single-serve packets — do not have enough surface area for a full EAN-13 barcode at the minimum scannable size. EAN-8 solves this by using only 8 digits instead of 13, creating a significantly smaller barcode symbol that can fit on the tight label real estate these products have available.
EAN-8 is not a general alternative to EAN-13 — it is specifically for packaging where EAN-13 at its minimum allowed print size (37mm wide) physically will not fit without distorting the packaging design or being placed on a curved surface that prevents reliable scanning. Before committing to EAN-8, verify that EAN-13 at 80% of its standard size (the GS1 allowed minimum) genuinely cannot fit on your packaging.
Because EAN-8 numbers are GS1-allocated rather than freely assigned, obtaining an EAN-8 requires contacting your national GS1 organization. Once you have your allocated 7-digit number, enter it into this generator to create the barcode for your packaging artwork. The 8th check digit is calculated and appended automatically.
Why You Need Barcodes
- EAN-8 allows tiny products to participate fully in barcode-based POS systems and online marketplace catalogs without oversized labels.
- It keeps your packaging design clean and premium-looking while still meeting retailer scanning requirements.
- All modern retail scanners worldwide read EAN-8 without special configuration — it works everywhere EAN-13 works.
- Using the correct compact format for small packaging prevents scan failures at checkout counters that would otherwise slow billing and frustrate staff.
Step by Step
- 1Confirm that your product packaging genuinely cannot fit an EAN-13 at 80% of its standard size (approx 30mm wide). Most products that appear too small can actually accommodate EAN-13 at minimum size.
- 2Obtain an EAN-8 number allocation from your national GS1 organization — self-assigned EAN-8 numbers are not valid for retail.
- 3Enter your GS1-allocated 7-digit number into the generator (the 8th check digit is calculated automatically) and download the barcode.
- 4Test-scan the barcode at the intended print size on the actual packaging surface before committing to full production.
Pro Tip
Avoid placing EAN-8 near tight folds, bottle curves, or package seams. Even a few millimeters of extra flat space dramatically improves scanning success rate on small packaging — position the barcode on the flattest possible surface area.