What Is a Barcode? Structure, Meaning and Common Types

A barcode is a machine-readable representation of data, usually shown as a pattern of parallel lines and spaces or, in newer formats, as a matrix of squares. Scanners read these patterns and convert them into numbers or text, allowing products to be identified quickly at checkout, in warehouses, and throughout the supply chain.

Structure of an EAN-13 barcode

The most common retail barcode is the EAN-13, which contains thirteen digits. Its structure generally breaks down as follows:

A country prefix identifying the GS1 member organisation, such as 893 for Vietnam.
A company prefix identifying the business that registered the code.
A product reference chosen by the business for each item.
A final check digit calculated from the other digits to detect scanning errors.

Common types of barcode

Different formats suit different uses. Widely used types include:

EAN-13 and EAN-8 for retail products.
UPC codes used mainly in North America.
Code 128 and ITF-14 for logistics and outer cartons.
QR codes and Data Matrix, which are two-dimensional and can hold more information.

Why barcodes matter

Barcodes reduce manual data entry, speed up transactions, and improve accuracy in inventory and sales tracking. For a product barcode to be globally unique and recognised, the business normally registers a company prefix with a GS1 member organisation.

Frequently asked questions

How many digits does a standard retail barcode have?

The common EAN-13 barcode has thirteen digits, including a country prefix, company prefix, product reference and check digit.

What is the check digit for?

The check digit is calculated from the other digits and lets scanners detect most errors when a code is misread.

Is a QR code a barcode?

Yes. A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that can store more data than a traditional linear barcode.

How LTV Law helps

LTV Law helps businesses register GS1 barcodes and choose the right code format for their products; to begin, contact our team.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.