What is UPC-E Barcode?

UPC-E is a compressed 6-digit barcode (8 with guard digits) used when standard UPC-A won't fit on small packaging.

How do I look up a upc-e barcode barcode?

Enter any barcode at upc.dev or call GET /v1/product/{barcode}. upc.dev aggregates dozens of authoritative sources and returns name, brand, category, recalls, and full intelligence.

Is UPC-E Barcode the same worldwide?

UPC-E Barcode is part of the GS1 global identification system. Check digits, prefix ranges, and format rules are standardized globally.

Where can I see a real UPC-E Barcode example?

Live example from the canonical catalog: 00000046. View full intelligence at https://upc.dev/product/00000046

Barcode Education

UPC-E Barcode

The compressed 8-digit barcode for small packages

What is UPC-E?

UPC-E is a compressed version of UPC-A that suppresses zeros to create a shorter barcode. It's used on small packages where a full 12-digit UPC-A won't fit (lip balm, gum, small bottles, etc.). Every UPC-E can be expanded back to a full 12-digit UPC-A.

Compression Rule

UPC-A:  0  X X X X X  0 0 0 0 0  Y  C
UPC-E:  0  X X X X X  Y  C  (6 data digits)

Only works when manufacturer code ends in 0000x or 000xx or 00xxx or 0xxxx or xxxxx with item codes starting with 00-09.

Example from Database

Short UPC

00000046