Use an ISBN for books and a UPC/EAN for almost everything else. ISBNs identify book titles and editions and come from national ISBN agencies. UPC/EAN codes identify general retail products and are what marketplaces require for non-book items.
ISBN and UPC Solve Different Problems
Both are product identifiers, but they belong to different worlds. ISBNs were created specifically for the publishing industry to track books, while UPC and EAN codes were created for general retail. Using the wrong one leads to listing errors, so it is important to know which your product needs.
What an ISBN Is For
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) identifies a specific book title, edition, and format. A paperback, a hardcover, and an eBook of the same title each receive their own separate ISBN. ISBNs are issued by national agencies and are how bookstores, libraries, and distributors track and order titles.
If you are publishing a book in any format, the ISBN is the identifier the book trade expects.
What a UPC or EAN Is For
A UPC or EAN identifies a general retail product — electronics, beauty items, home goods, toys, apparel, and so on. These are the codes that Amazon, eBay, Walmart, and most marketplaces require for non-book products. They are universal and scan at any retail checkout.
ISBN vs UPC at a Glance
| Feature | ISBN | UPC/EAN |
|---|---|---|
| Used for | Books | General products |
| Issued by | National ISBN agency | Company prefix |
| Digits | 10 or 13 | 12 or 13 |
| On marketplaces | Books category | Most categories |
| Format | Often EAN-13 (Bookland) | Standard retail |
What If You Sell Both Books and Products?
Plenty of sellers offer books alongside merchandise — an author selling a paperback plus branded mugs and tote bags, for example. The rule is simple: use the ISBN for the books and a UPC or EAN for the merchandise. They live happily side by side in the same store.
If you already have an ISBN and just need the scannable barcode image for your book’s back cover, we can turn your existing ISBN into a print-ready ISBN barcode image.
A Note on Where ISBNs Come From
Unlike a general product barcode, an ISBN number itself must be issued by your country’s official ISBN agency — it cannot be generated from a normal company prefix. Once you have your ISBN, though, creating the scannable barcode image for printing is simple and is something we can do for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a UPC instead of an ISBN for a book?
Books are expected to carry an ISBN in the book trade. Some retail channels also accept a UPC, but the ISBN is the standard identifier for books.
Is an ISBN a type of barcode?
The ISBN is a number; its scannable barcode is usually printed as a Bookland EAN-13. So the ISBN barcode you see on covers is an EAN-13 encoding the ISBN.
Where do I get an ISBN number?
From your national ISBN agency. We do not issue ISBN numbers, but we can create the print-ready barcode image once you have your ISBN.
Need Barcodes for Your Products?
GoodUPC provides authentic, unique UPC and EAN barcodes with instant digital delivery — no annual fees. Accepted on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, Walmart, and Shopify.