EAN-8 Barcode Generator
Create compact EAN-8 barcodes for small products and limited spaces.
Enter 7 digits (check digit will be calculated)
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What is an EAN-8 Barcode?
EAN-8 is a shortened version of the EAN-13 barcode, containing only 8 digits. It's designed for use on small products where a full EAN-13 barcode would be too large. Despite its compact size, EAN-8 retains the same structure with country code, product code, and check digit.
EAN-8 numbers are drawn from a restricted pool managed by local GS1 offices, which means each code must be individually requested rather than self-assigned from a company prefix. This controlled allocation ensures the limited 8-digit number space is used efficiently. In practice, EAN-8 is most common on small confectionery items, travel-size toiletries, and miniature consumer goods sold in retail stores worldwide.
Want to learn more about EAN-8 barcodes? Read our complete guide to EAN-8 for small product packaging, GS1 requirements, and when to use compact barcodes.
How to Use This Generator
Creating an EAN-8 barcode is simple:
- Enter 7 or 8 digits (if you provide 7 digits, the check digit will be calculated automatically)
- Click 'Generate Barcode' to create your EAN-8 barcode
- Customize appearance in advanced options if needed (optional)
- Download your barcode as SVG, PNG (multiple resolutions), or PDF
Technical Specifications
Key technical details for EAN-8:
| Data Capacity | Exactly 8 digits (7 data digits + 1 check digit) |
| Character Set | Numeric only (digits 0–9) |
| Symbol Size | Fixed width of 67 modules (nominal size: 26.73 mm x 21.31 mm at 100% magnification) |
| Check Digit | Modulo 10 weighted checksum (calculated automatically) |
| Error Correction | Single check digit — no built-in error correction beyond the checksum |
| Standard | ISO/IEC 15420 (GS1 restricted prefix assignment) |
Common Use Cases
EAN-8 barcodes are ideal for:
- Small products like cosmetics, candy bars, and travel-size items
- Packaging with limited space for barcode placement
- Products where a full EAN-13 would be visually overwhelming
- Miniature bottles, travel-size shampoos, and hotel toiletry kits
- Small confectionery items like individual chocolate bars and chewing gum packs
Tips & Best Practices
Get the most out of your EAN-8 barcodes:
- Apply for EAN-8 numbers through your local GS1 member organization before printing. Using an unregistered number will cause problems at retail checkout and product databases.
- Print at 80–200% of nominal magnification. The standard 100% size is 26.73 mm wide — scaling below 80% will likely cause scan failures at retail point-of-sale terminals.
- Use dark bars on a light background with strong contrast. On small packaging, poor contrast is the most common reason for barcode scan failures.
- Maintain quiet zones of at least 2.31 mm on each side. On small products, it is tempting to reduce margins, but scanners need this clear space to reliably detect the barcode.
Test Your Barcode
After generating your EAN-8 barcode, verify it scans correctly before printing on small product packaging. Use our free barcode scanner to test your codes instantly - simply scan with your camera or upload an image to ensure proper encoding and readability. Test your barcode with our free scanner.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use EAN-8 instead of EAN-13?
Use EAN-8 when the physical product or its packaging is too small to fit a standard EAN-13 barcode at the minimum required size. GS1 guidelines specify that EAN-8 should only be used when the available printing area is less than 80% of the EAN-13 nominal size (roughly under 30 mm wide). Typical examples include small candy bars, lip balm, and single-serve packets.
Do I need a special GS1 assignment for EAN-8?
Yes. Unlike EAN-13 where you use your GS1 company prefix to create product numbers, EAN-8 codes are assigned individually by your local GS1 office. They use a restricted number pool, so you must apply for and receive each EAN-8 number separately. This process exists because the 8-digit format has far fewer available combinations than EAN-13.
How is the EAN-8 check digit calculated?
The EAN-8 check digit uses the same Modulo 10 algorithm as EAN-13. Starting from the rightmost data digit, alternate digits are multiplied by 3 and 1, then summed. The check digit is the number that brings this total to the next multiple of 10. Our generator calculates this automatically when you enter 7 digits.
What is the minimum size for printing an EAN-8 barcode?
The EAN-8 nominal size is 26.73 mm wide by 21.31 mm tall at 100% magnification. GS1 allows scaling between 80% and 200% of nominal. At the minimum 80%, the barcode is roughly 21.4 mm wide and 17 mm tall. Printing below this threshold risks scan failures at retail checkouts. Always verify readability with a test scan before bulk printing.
Is this EAN-8 barcode generator free?
Yes, this EAN-8 generator is entirely free. There are no usage limits, no registration required, and no watermarks. Generate unlimited EAN-8 barcodes and download them as SVG, PNG, or PDF. All processing runs in your browser — your data is never uploaded to any server.