What is EAN-5 Barcode?
EAN-5 is a 5-digit supplement barcode used with EAN-13 or UPC-A barcodes, primarily for books and some periodicals. It encodes supplementary information like suggested retail price, currency code, or weight. EAN-5 appears as a smaller barcode to the right of the main EAN-13/UPC-A barcode, providing additional product details without changing the main product identifier.
Why Use EAN-5 Barcodes?
Book Standard
Standard supplement code for books, encoding price or other supplementary information alongside ISBN-13.
Price Encoding
Can encode suggested retail price information, helping retailers with pricing and inventory management.
Additional Data
Provides 5 digits of supplementary information (price, weight, etc.) without modifying the main product barcode.
GS1 Standard
GS1 standard supplement code ensuring compatibility with publishing, retail, and inventory systems.
How to Use EAN-5 Barcodes
- Enter 5 Digits: Type a 5-digit number (00000-99999) representing the supplement information (price code, weight, etc.).
- Use with Main Barcode: EAN-5 is used alongside an EAN-13 or UPC-A barcode as a supplement.
- Customize Design: Adjust width scale, height, and colors. EAN-5 is typically printed smaller than the main barcode.
- Print Together: Print EAN-5 to the right of the main product barcode following GS1 positioning guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
EAN-5 is used as a supplement code for books and some periodicals to encode supplementary information like suggested retail price, currency code, or weight. It appears alongside the main EAN-13 or ISBN-13 barcode.
EAN-2 encodes 2 digits (for periodical issue numbers), EAN-5 encodes 5 digits (for books - price, weight, etc.). EAN-5 provides more data capacity for detailed supplement information.
Yes! EAN-5 is commonly used to encode suggested retail price information for books. The 5 digits can represent price codes that correspond to actual prices in the retailer's system.
EAN-5 is designed as a supplement code and is typically used with a main EAN-13 or ISBN-13 barcode. While it can be generated alone, it's meant to supplement the main product barcode.
EAN-5 should be positioned to the right of the main EAN-13 or ISBN-13 barcode with appropriate spacing. Follow GS1 guidelines for exact positioning and spacing requirements.
EAN-5 is optional for books. It's used when you want to encode supplementary information like price. The main ISBN-13 barcode is required, but EAN-5 supplement is optional based on your needs.
EAN-5 barcodes are typically printed smaller than the main barcode. They should be proportional to the main EAN-13/ISBN-13 barcode and positioned according to GS1 specifications.
Yes, EAN-5 can encode weight codes or other supplementary information. The encoding format depends on your application and GS1 guidelines for your specific use case.
Modern barcode scanners can read both the main barcode and the EAN-5 supplement in a single scan. The scanner recognizes the supplement code and processes it along with the main product identifier.
Yes! If you're logged in, you can edit saved EAN-5 barcodes and update the encoded data, colors, size, or other settings. The barcode will be regenerated with the new information.
