Your ISBN
Size and style
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Your barcode
- ISBN-13
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- Add-on
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- Printed size
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The SVG opens at its true printed size in design apps. Print it in black on white, and scan-test a printed proof.
What is an ISBN barcode?
The barcode on the back of a book is an EAN-13 barcode, sometimes called a Bookland EAN. It encodes your 13-digit ISBN, which starts with 978 or 979. Stores and libraries scan it to identify your book. Many books also carry a smaller five-digit add-on to its right, which can encode a price.
The price add-on, explained
| Add-on | What it means |
|---|---|
90000 | No suggested retail price is encoded. The usual choice for self-published books, because you can change your price without reprinting. |
5 + price | A U.S. dollar price. For example, 51699 means $16.99 and 52495 means $24.95. |
| No add-on | Just the ISBN. Fine for online sales, but some bookstores prefer an add-on. |
Do I need my own barcode on Amazon KDP?
Not necessarily. If you don’t include a barcode, KDP prints one for you in the lower-right corner of the back cover, so just keep that area clear. You might want your own barcode if you’re also printing with IngramSpark or another printer, want to control exactly where it sits, or need a price add-on.
Where do I get an ISBN?
In the United States, ISBNs are sold by Bowker through myidentifiers.com. KDP also offers free ISBNs, but those can only be used for the KDP edition of your book. If you want to be listed as the publisher or print the same edition elsewhere, buy your own. Each format, such as paperback, hardcover and eBook, needs its own ISBN.
Tips for a barcode that scans every time
- Print it in solid black on a white or very light background. Avoid colored bars or busy images behind it.
- Keep the standard size. The full EAN-13 is about 37 mm wide and 26 mm tall. You can trim some height, but don’t shrink the width much below 80%.
- Use the SVG file in your design software. Vector files stay sharp at any size.
- Leave clear space on both sides so scanners can find the start and end.
Sources: Barcodes on paperback covers (KDP Help); Barcoding guidelines for the U.S. book industry (BISG). Figures for Amazon.com, checked October 2026. Amazon can change them at any time, so confirm on your KDP bookshelf before you publish.
Frequently asked questions
Is this ISBN barcode generator really free?
Yes. There’s no sign-up, no watermark and no limit. The barcode is created in your browser and your ISBN isn’t sent to us.
What does 90000 mean on a book barcode?
90000 is a price add-on that means no suggested retail price is encoded. Most self-published books use it so the price can change without reprinting the cover.
How do I put a price in my barcode?
Use the U.S. price add-on: a 5 followed by the price in four digits. $16.99 becomes 51699 and $24.95 becomes 52495. The highest price it can show is $99.99.
Does KDP add a barcode for me?
Yes. If your paperback cover doesn’t include one, KDP prints a barcode in the lower-right corner of the back cover. Keep that area free of text and important images.
Can I use a free KDP ISBN with this barcode?
You can generate a barcode for any valid ISBN. But a free KDP ISBN can only be used for the KDP edition, so don’t use it on a book you print with another company.
What size should my ISBN barcode be?
The standard EAN-13 symbol is about 37 mm wide and 26 mm tall. Keep it close to that size, in black on white, and test-scan a printed proof before you approve it.