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ITF-14 Carton Barcode Generator

13/14 digits. Check digit will be calculated automatically.

GTIN-14

12345678901231

Check digit

1(calculated)

ITF-14 (Interleaved 2 of 5, 14 digits) is the barcode format used on shipping cartons, outer cases, and pallets in retail supply chains. It encodes a GTIN-14, which is typically a retailer's item GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 padded to 14 digits and prefixed with an indicator digit for the packaging level. This generator accepts 12, 13, or 14 digits: 12-digit GTIN-12 codes are automatically padded to 14 digits; 13-digit payloads get their check digit calculated; 14-digit codes are validated. Download as PNG or SVG.

No signupRuns in your browserWorks offlineFormula explained belowGeneral information only

How to use this tool

  1. 1Type or paste your digits into the input field. Digits only.
  2. 2Enter 12 digits (GTIN-12/UPC-A base): the tool pads to 14 digits by prepending a 0 and calculates the check digit.
  3. 3Enter 13 digits (GTIN-14 payload without check digit): the 14th check digit is calculated automatically.
  4. 4Enter all 14 digits to validate whether the check digit is correct.
  5. 5Click Download PNG or Download SVG to save the barcode for printing on carton or case labels.

Formula used

The ITF-14 check digit uses the same GS1 algorithm as EAN-13 and UPC-A, applied to the 13-digit payload. The check digit is (10 - (sum modulo 10)) modulo 10, where each digit is multiplied by alternating weights of 1 and 3 counting from the right of the 13-digit payload.

Example

Converting a product UPC-A to an ITF-14 carton code

You have UPC-A 012345678905 for an individual item. To create the carton ITF-14: enter 012345678905 (12 digits). The tool pads it to 00123456789050 (14 digits with leading 0 and recalculated check digit). This GTIN-14 identifies a case of that product at the next packaging level.

Validating a supplier's ITF-14 label

Supplier sends carton code 10614141000415. Enter all 14 digits. The tool validates that the check digit 5 is correct and renders the barcode. If the check digit were wrong, the corrected digit and full corrected code would appear in the result.

Common use cases

  • Manufacturers printing carton labels for retail distribution that require ITF-14 barcodes
  • Logistics providers creating pallet and case labels for warehouse receiving
  • Retailers verifying that a supplier's outer case barcode is correctly formed before shipment
  • Supply chain teams building shipping documents and ASNs that reference carton GTINs
  • Quality control staff checking ITF-14 check digits on incoming shipments

Common mistakes

  • Using the individual item's EAN-13 or UPC-A directly on cartons without padding to 14 digits - carton barcodes must be GTIN-14, not GTIN-12 or GTIN-13.
  • Choosing ITF-14 for individual product labels - ITF-14 is for outer packaging and logistics only; retail items use EAN-13 or UPC-A.
  • Expecting ITF-14 to encode non-numeric characters - the Interleaved 2 of 5 symbology encodes digit pairs only; use Code 128 for alphanumeric logistics labels.
  • Printing ITF-14 at too small a size - the bars are dense and must be at least 25mm wide for reliable scanning in warehouse environments.

Frequently asked questions

What is an ITF-14 barcode?

ITF-14 stands for Interleaved 2 of 5, 14 digits. It is the standard barcode format for outer packaging - cases, cartons, and pallets - in retail supply chains. It encodes a GTIN-14, which identifies a specific packaging level of a product at a logistics or distribution unit level.

What is a GTIN-14 and how is it different from a GTIN-13?

GTIN-13 (an EAN-13) identifies an individual consumer product. GTIN-14 identifies a logistic unit - a case or pallet containing multiple units. A GTIN-14 is often derived from the product's GTIN-12 or GTIN-13 by padding to 14 digits and adding an indicator digit (1-8) as the first character.

Can I generate a GS1-128 carton label with this tool?

This tool generates the ITF-14 barcode image only. GS1-128 logistics labels also include Application Identifier fields (SSCC, batch/lot, expiry date) which require a dedicated GS1-128 generator. For basic carton barcodes without additional data fields, ITF-14 is the simpler and widely accepted option.

Is my barcode data sent to a server?

No. All generation and validation runs in your browser. Your data is never sent anywhere.

What print size should ITF-14 barcodes be?

GS1 recommends a minimum width of 25mm for ITF-14 barcodes, with a preferred width of 50-70mm for case labels. The barcode height is typically 32mm at minimum. Always maintain quiet zones (clear space) of at least 10x (10 times the narrow bar width) on each side of the barcode.

Do I need a GS1 company prefix to create an ITF-14 barcode?

To assign a GTIN-14 for commercial use in retail supply chains, yes - you need a GS1 company prefix, which you register through GS1 (gs1.org) in your country. For internal logistics, returns, and testing purposes, you can use any 14-digit number without GS1 registration. Check with your trading partners what they require.

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