EAN-13 Barcode Size and Quiet Zone Calculator
Find the printed size of an EAN-13 barcode at any magnification, or find the largest barcode that fits your available space. Results include quiet zones, bar height and a status check.
Your inputs
100% equals the nominal size of 37.29 x 25.93 mm including quiet zones. The permitted range is 80% to 200%.
Enter the space including both quiet zones, as the barcode will sit on the pack.
Enter 12 digits and the check digit is added, or 13 digits to verify the check digit. Used for the preview only.
Results
Size status
Magnification
Total footprint
Width x height including both quiet zones, as placed.
Symbol width
95 modules of bars and spaces.
Quiet zones
Left (11 modules) / right (7 modules).
Bar height
Typical nominal 22.85 mm at 100%. Confirm with your data.
Module width
Narrowest bar or space (X-dimension), nominal 0.33 mm.
Barcode preview
Illustration only. Use certified barcode artwork for production.
Placement checklist
- Keep both quiet zones free of ink, text and artwork.
- Place the code on a flat area, away from seals, folds and gussets.
- Print dark bars on a light, plain background with strong contrast.
- Do not stretch, squeeze or crop the barcode.
- Avoid curved or wrinkled areas where the film may distort.
- Test scan a printed proof before approving the full run.
Formula and assumptions
- Module width X = 0.33 mm x magnification.
- Symbol width = 95 modules x X.
- Left quiet zone = 11 modules x X. Right quiet zone = 7 modules x X.
- Total width = 113 modules x X (37.29 mm at 100%).
- Total height = 25.93 mm x magnification. Bar height = 22.85 mm x magnification.
- Fit to a space: magnification = the smaller of (width / 37.29) and (height / 25.93). Ladder swaps width and height.
- Status: 80% to below 100% is reduced, 100% to 200% is within range, and anything else is flagged.
- Values are typical nominal figures for planning. Confirm them with your data and your printer.
How to use this calculator
Choose a method
Set a magnification directly, or enter the space available on your pack and let the tool find the largest fit.
Enter your details
Add your barcode digits, printing process and bar orientation. Switch between metric and imperial units any time.
Check the result
Read the size, quiet zones and status. Use the preview and placement checklist, then confirm with your printer.
Worked example at 100%
Nominal EAN-13 dimensions in millimetres at 100% magnification.
| Item | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | Default input | 100% |
| Symbol width | 95 modules x 0.33 mm x 1.00 | 31.35 mm |
| Left quiet zone | 11 modules x 0.33 mm x 1.00 | 3.63 mm |
| Right quiet zone | 7 modules x 0.33 mm x 1.00 | 2.31 mm |
| Total width | 3.63 + 31.35 + 2.31 | 37.29 mm |
| Total height | 25.93 mm x 1.00 | 25.93 mm |
| Bar height | 22.85 mm x 1.00 (typical value, please confirm with your data) | 22.85 mm |
| Status | 100% is at or above 100% | Green |
At 100% magnification the total footprint including both quiet zones is 37.29 mm x 25.93 mm. Always keep the quiet zones free of artwork. Typical values, please confirm with your data.
Frequently asked questions
What is the smallest EAN-13 size allowed?
The permitted magnification range is 80% to 200% of the nominal size. At 80% the print tolerance is tight, so confirm what your printer can hold.
Do the quiet zones count in the size?
Yes. The total size shown includes the left quiet zone of 11 modules and the right quiet zone of 7 modules. Keep them free of ink and artwork.
Can I shorten the bar height to fit my pack?
Avoid cutting the height below the specification. If space is short, adjust the layout or ask your packaging supplier for advice before reducing the height.
What is bar width reduction (BWR)?
BWR is a prepress compensation for ink spread so printed bars keep the right width. The setting depends on the process and materials, so ask your printer for the BWR setting.
Which direction should the barcode face on the film?
Bars are best perpendicular to the web direction, but follow your printer's requirements. Confirm this before the artwork is finalized.
Related tools
Have a project in mind?
Share your pouch size, material and quantity, and our team will reply with a quotation.
Results are estimates for planning purposes. Final specifications and prices are confirmed in your quotation.