UPCBay

What Is a UPC Code?

A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit number encoded in a barcode that identifies a specific product. Every scan at a retail checkout or Amazon warehouse lookup resolves that number to a product record. The barcode is just the visual format for printing the number — the number itself is what matters.

Labeled diagram showing the anatomy of a UPC barcode: number system digit, company prefix, product reference, and check digit
The anatomy of a UPC-A barcode

Real example

Take UPC 012345678905. The first digit (0) is a number system digit. Digits 2–6 (12345) are the company prefix — they identify the manufacturer or brand. Digits 7–11 (67890) are the product reference — chosen by the company to identify this specific item. Digit 12 (5) is the check digit, calculated mathematically from the first 11 digits to catch scanning errors.

How a UPC Code is used in e-commerce

  • Amazon requires a UPC (or other GTIN) for every new product listing unless the seller qualifies for a GTIN exemption.
  • Retail scanners at checkout read UPC barcodes to look up product price and inventory records.
  • Google Shopping requires a GTIN (which includes UPC) for most product ad campaigns.
  • eBay uses UPCs to match listings to its product catalog, improving search visibility.

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Common questions

Related terms

EAN codeGTINGS1Check digitSKU