What is the UPC check digit?
The last digit in all UPC barcodes is a check digit.The UPC check digit is the single character in the lower right corner of a UPC version A barcode. It’s based on the 11 digits preceeding it. The check digit has to match the numbers in the barcode or a barcode scanner will reject it. You can figure out the check digit by hand but that’s impractical in most situations. To do so, add up the numbers in the odd positions left to right. Multiple the result by 3. Add up the numbers in the even positions. Now add the first subtotal to the second. The UPC barcode check digit is the single digit number makes the total a multiple of 10. Calculate it in Excel instead. Download this free spreadsheet for UPC check digits.
