UPC and EAN Barcodes for Music Releases: Format and Check-Digit Errors
Updated 2026-10-21 · 2 sources
Short answer
A UPC (12 digits, GTIN-12) or EAN (13 digits, GTIN-13) identifies a release: one product, the same for every track on it. The last digit is a check digit calculated from the others with the GS1 formula, so a typo almost always makes the code invalid. Every track on a release shares its UPC, and each release needs its own.
How the check digit works
GS1's method: starting from the digit just before the check digit and moving left, multiply the digits alternately by 3 and 1, add the results, and subtract the sum from the nearest equal or higher multiple of ten. The result is the check digit [1].
GS1's worked GTIN-13 example: 629104150021 gives a sum of 57, and 60 − 57 = 3, so the full code is 6291041500213 [1].
Common invalid-UPC errors
- Wrong length: 11 or 14 digits, or a leading zero dropped by a spreadsheet (UPC-A codes often start with 0).
- Wrong check digit: a transposed or mistyped digit.
- Scientific notation: Excel turns 036000291452 into 3.6E+10. Format the column as text before pasting.
- One UPC on different releases: a single and its album are different products and need different UPCs.
Where the UPC comes from
Most distributors assign a UPC free if you don't supply one. If you have your own GS1 prefix, use it consistently. Either way, check the code before delivery. Deezer's label upload guide lists the UPC among required release information [2].
Examples
| Instead of | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 123456789013 | 123456789012 | The check digit for 12345678901 is 2. |
| 3.6E+10 | 036000291452 | Spreadsheet scientific notation destroyed the code. |
| 36000291452 | 036000291452 | Leading zero dropped: UPC-A is 12 digits. |
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FAQ
UPC or EAN: which do I need?
Both are GTINs and stores accept either. UPC-A is 12 digits, mainly used in North America; EAN-13 is 13 digits. A UPC can be written as an EAN by adding a leading zero.
Do the tracks have UPCs?
No. Tracks are identified by ISRCs. The UPC belongs to the release as a whole.
Can I reuse a UPC when I re-release an album?
Only if it's exactly the same product. A deluxe edition, a changed tracklist or a new version of the release is a different product and needs a new UPC.
Related guides
Sources
- GS1: How to calculate a check digit manually
- Deezer for Creators: How To Add Music To Deezer Through A Label
Platform rules change. Each rule above is attributed to the company or standard that published it, as checked on 2026-10-21. This guide is not legal advice.