codigo-qr.es
Sign up

§BARCODE / EAN8

EAN-8 generator: the compact version of EAN-13

EAN-8 condenses the retail code into 8 digits for very small packaging where an EAN-13 doesn't fit: cosmetic samples, gum, products the size of a pen. Available on the Pro plan.

  • EAN8 standard
  • Live preview
  • Scans on any reader

EAN8 is a Pro format

Create a free account and upgrade to Pro to generate this format and the other advanced ones (UPC-A, UPC-E, Code 39, ITF-14, GS1-128). Pro also includes unlimited dynamic QR codes, full analytics and a center logo.

  • All advanced formats
  • Unlimited dynamic QR codes
  • No watermark
Create free accountI have an account

§WHAT IS

What exactly is EAN-8?

EAN-8 is the reduced version of the EAN-13 standard, with 8 digits instead of 13, designed by GS1 for packaging too physically small to carry a full code.

EAN-8 emerged as a practical answer to a real problem: many small products (sugar sachets, single chewing gums, small cosmetic sticks, promotional pens) lack enough surface to print a quality EAN-13. Reducing the EAN-13 to 70% compromised reading, so GS1 published EAN-8 with fewer digits (3 country, 4 product, 1 control) and smaller dimensions: 26.73 × 21.31 mm at 100%. GS1 assigns EAN-8 prefixes under strict criteria. You must demonstrate with measurements and photos that the package is physically incapable of accepting an EAN-13 even at the minimum 80% size. This prevents companies from using EAN-8 for aesthetics or ink savings when they could use EAN-13. The usual approval threshold is roughly 32 × 25 mm of usable face after legal labeling text. Below that, EAN-8 is typically approved. Above that, the agency derives the manufacturer to EAN-13 at 80%. The annual fee for EAN-8 is similar to EAN-13 because the administrative assignment is the same. Only the printed format differs.

§WHEN TO USE

When to use EAN-8 and not EAN-13?

Only when the package is physically too small for EAN-13 at 80% and GS1 has assigned an EAN-8 code. Otherwise, EAN-13 reduced to 80% is enough.

EAN-8 is meant for extreme cases where the packaging doesn't admit even the smallest version of EAN-13. Typical examples where GS1 approves EAN-8: - Single chewing gums and individual candies in blister. - Sugar, salt or ketchup single-serving sachets. - Mini sticks of instant coffee in 2 g pouches. - Cosmetic samples and promotional miniatures (10 ml bottles). - Impulse products at supermarket checkouts where the usable face is below 30 × 25 mm. - Small stationery items such as individual erasers. Outside those cases, retailers prefer EAN-13 even on small packaging. A standard lipstick uses EAN-13 at 80% (29.8 × 20.7 mm), a lip gloss at 90%, a 35 × 50 mm matchbox fits without issue. If your product can carry EAN-13, do that: more distribution options, no need to justify with GS1. Don't use EAN-8 for internal warehouse identifiers (better Code 128) or for products sold only online (no GS1 needed). EAN-8 makes sense when there is physical distribution in organized chains and packaging forces the compact version.

§SPECS

EAN-8 technical specifications

Length

7-8

Characters

Digits only

Example

12345670

Check digit

Yes, automatic

EAN-8 follows the same ISO/IEC 15420 standard as EAN-13, just with fewer digits and reduced dimensions: - Length: exactly 8 digits (3 country, 4 product, 1 control). - Character set: digits 0-9 only. - Check digit: modulo 10 with alternating weights 3 and 1, calculated automatically over the first 7 digits. - Nominal dimensions: 26.73 mm × 21.31 mm at 100% (X factor = 0.33 mm). GS1 accepts scaling between 80% and 200%. - Quiet zone: 7 times the X factor on left (2.31 mm) and 7 on right (2.31 mm). - Density: encodes 8 digits in approximately 18-20 mm of useful width, enough for packages with a minimum face of 25 × 21 mm. - Damage tolerance: none. Like EAN-13, a stain on the bars invalidates reading. - Compatibility: any EAN-13 reader scans it without configuration.

§COMPARISON

How does EAN-8 differ from UPC-E or reduced EAN-13?

EAN-8 is the European standard. UPC-E is the American equivalent. EAN-13 reduced to 80% is the preferable alternative if the packaging admits it.

EAN-8 and UPC-E cover the same use cases in different markets. UPC-E encodes 6 visible digits that expand to 12 internally, so UPC-E is slightly more compact in pixels than EAN-8 (8 visible digits). The visual difference on product is minimal: both are around 22-27 mm wide. GS1 assigns one or the other based on the fiscal region of your company. They are not interchangeable freely. Versus EAN-13 at 80%, EAN-8 saves about 10-12 mm of width in exchange for less product numbering space within the same company. If you have a wide catalog (more than 1,000 SKUs) all in small packaging, EAN-13 at 80% gives you more numbering room. Versus GS1 DataBar (newer standard for fresh produce with expiration), EAN-8 is still more universal. Any European POS reads EAN-8, while GS1 DataBar requires updated readers.

§FAQ

Frequently asked questions about EAN8

  • Q.01

    Can any small product use EAN-8?

    No. GS1 reviews each request and demands exact package measurements and useful area discounting legal text. If your product admits EAN-13 at 80%, they redirect you to that format. They only approve EAN-8 when you prove that even 80% EAN-13 doesn't fit.

  • Q.02

    How do I request an EAN-8 code from GS1?

    After registering as a member, GS1 assigns EAN-13 prefixes by default. To request an EAN-8 you must open a separate request with product technical sheet, photos of the packaging and dimensions. They usually take 5-10 working days. The assignment is per SKU, not per catalog.

  • Q.03

    Is registering for EAN-8 cheaper than EAN-13?

    The base annual fee is the same because GS1 invoices by membership, not format. What changes is the additional justification needed to request EAN-8 and the longer administrative process. If you doubt between the two, EAN-13 at 80% is the less bureaucratic option.

  • Q.04

    Does Amazon read it as a valid GTIN code?

    Yes. Amazon accepts EAN-8 as a valid GTIN-8 for listings of small physical products. That said, the code must be registered to your name in the GS1 GEPIR database. If you generate an EAN-8 with a random prefix without registration, Amazon detects the inconsistency and disables the listing.

  • Q.05

    Can I print EAN-8 larger than 100% nominal?

    Yes, GS1 accepts scaling up to 200% (53.46 × 42.62 mm). The issue is space: if your packaging admits EAN-8 at 200%, it likely also accepts a reduced EAN-13, which gives more numbering space. Scaling above 100% is exceptional.

Ready to create your EAN8 code

Unlock this format by upgrading to Pro. Cancel any time from your dashboard.

Upgrade to Pro