UPC-A Standard Sizes
The official GS1 specification defines the ten standard sizes SC0–SC9 for UPC-A. The dimensions of the most commonly used size SC2 are already set as default in the generator. If needed, choose another standard size from the table below, or enter custom width and height.
| Height (mm) | Width (mm) | Width + Add-On 2 | Width + Add-On 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC0 | 21.48 | 30.50 | 37.25 | 44.54 |
| SC1 | 23.34 | 33.56 | 40.99 | 49.01 |
| SC2 | 25.93 | 37.29 | 45.54 | 54.45 |
| SC3 | 28.52 | 41.02 | 50.09 | 59.90 |
| SC4 | 31.12 | 44.75 | 54.65 | 65.34 |
| SC5 | 35.01 | 50.34 | 61.48 | 73.51 |
| SC6 | 38.90 | 55.94 | 68.31 | 81.68 |
| SC7 | 42.78 | 61.53 | 75.14 | 89.84 |
| SC8 | 47.97 | 68.99 | 84.25 | 100.73 |
| SC9 | 51.86 | 74.58 | 91.08 | 108.90 |
The following image shows the standard size SC2 with all relevant dimensions, including the left and right margins (“quiet zones”). Our barcode generator automatically sets all measurements precisely in accordance with the GS1 specification.
OCR-B – The Standard Font for UPC-A Barcodes
For the human-readable UPC-A number below the barcode, our generator uses the font OCR-B by default. This is recommended by GS1 for all barcodes in the UPC/EAN family, including UPC-A. Additional fonts are available for selection. The Text Offset from Symbol setting allows adjusting the spacing between the human-readable number and the barcode symbol. Negative values can also be used to compensate for excessive white space.
Print-Ready UPC-A Images: Choosing between Vector and Raster Formats
UPC-A barcodes are primarily found on retail product packaging. The right choice of file format depends on how the barcode will be used downstream. For prepress and print production, the vector formats PDF and EPS are the preferred choice. They are functionally equivalent, support CMYK colors and transparent backgrounds, and store all coordinates with a precision of six decimal places. The human-readable UPC-A number is converted to outlines, so no fonts need to be supplied to print shops. EPS files additionally contain an embedded TIFF preview for DTP applications without native EPS support. SVG is suited for web applications; it supports RGB colors only.
Raster formats (PNG, BMP, JPG) are the practical choice wherever vector files are not accepted. The DPI value is stored in the file header, so layout applications interpret resolution and physical dimensions correctly. Bar widths are precisely aligned to the chosen resolution – the barcode remains fully scannable even at 203 or 300 DPI. PNG is the only raster format with support for transparent backgrounds.
UPC-A Generator for Professionals – Batch Mode, InDesign + Illustrator ready
For more advanced needs, we recommend our desktop software Barcode Vectorizer. It includes all features of our free online generator, plus:
Standard Edition:
- Convenient selection of SC0–SC9 sizes with a single mouse click – no manual entry required
- Direct transfer of the barcode as PDF, EPS, or SVG by dragging with the mouse or copy & paste to applications such as Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or CorelDRAW
- Custom color selection with precise component values (0–100 for CMYK, 0–255 for RGB)
- Save function for later reuse of custom designs
- Bar width correction, mirror image output, and use of all installed fonts in addition to OCR-B
- In addition to UPC-A, support for over 20 different linear barcode types
Pro Edition – additionally:
- Batch mode: Create hundreds of barcodes at once from your own number lists
- Serial number generation: Automatic generation of sequential numbers including check digit
- Barcode API: Integrate the barcode generator into your own application
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