Professional EAN-8 Barcode Generator
EAN-8 exists for one reason: some products are too small to wear a full EAN-13 comfortably. Lip balm, a pack of seeds, a single pen, a spice jar — shrink an EAN-13 far enough to fit and it stops scanning; EAN-8 solves the problem properly with a shorter number in a smaller symbol.
How it differs from EAN-13
An EAN-8 is not a truncated EAN-13 — it is a separate number. It carries a 2–3 digit GS1 prefix, a 4–5 digit item reference, and a check digit. Because the number space is so small, GS1 organisations allocate EAN-8 codes individually and sparingly: you request one per product, rather than deriving codes yourself from a company prefix the way you do with EAN-13. That is also why retailers expect you to justify the small-package need.
Technical specification
| Character set | Digits only |
| Length | Fixed: 8 digits (7 data + 1 check digit) |
| Check digit | Mandatory, modulo 10 — computed automatically from the first 7 digits |
| Nominal size | 26.73 × 21.31 mm at 100% magnification (X-dimension 0.33 mm) |
| Allowed magnification | 80% to 200% of nominal |
| Quiet zone | 7× X-dimension on both sides |
Printing notes
EAN-8 usually ends up on curved or tiny surfaces, which adds two practical rules. Print across the curve, not around it (bars should run along the axis of a tube or jar, so curvature does not change their apparent widths), and keep the code away from seams, crimps, and label edges. On small flexible packaging, vector output matters even more than usual — there is no room for anti-aliasing blur.
Frequently asked questions
When am I allowed to use EAN-8 instead of EAN-13?
GS1's guideline: when an EAN-13 at the smallest permitted magnification (80%) will not physically fit, or would exceed 25% of the printable area of the package. If a normal EAN-13 fits, use it — EAN-8 numbers are a scarce resource.
Do shop scanners read EAN-8 like a normal barcode?
Yes. Every EAN/UPC-capable scanner reads EAN-8 out of the box, and POS systems treat it as a regular GTIN. Nothing special is required at the till.
Can I derive EAN-8 codes from my GS1 company prefix?
No — that only works for EAN-13. EAN-8 numbers are allocated one at a time by your local GS1 organisation on request. More on how GS1 numbering works.
Not sure the small format is the right call? The guide to choosing a barcode symbology walks through the decision, and barcode placement tips covers positioning on awkward packaging.