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Our GS1 DataBar Limited Barcode Generator helps you create precise barcodes for efficient product identification and inventory management. Designed for compact and space-constrained applications, this generator produces barcodes compatible with PDF, PNG, SVG, and JPG formats. Generate, customise, and download high-quality GS1 DataBar Limited barcodes to streamline your supply chain operations with accuracy and reliability.
What Is the Ideal Size for a GS1 Databar Limited Barcode?

The GS1 DataBar Limited barcode is a compact, space-efficient symbology designed primarily for small product labeling, such as items in retail and healthcare where traditional UPC/EAN barcodes are too large. Unlike GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked, the GS1 DataBar Limited barcode does not support stacked rows and is restricted in width and height.
Recommended Dimensions for GS1 DataBar Limited
1. Width (X-Dimension)
The X-dimension (module width) is a key factor in barcode size.
Minimum X-dimension: 0.132 mm (0.0052 inches)
Typical X-dimension: 0.254 mm (0.0100 inches)
Recommended X-dimension: 0.264 mm (0.0104 inches) for reliable scanning.
2. Height (Y-Dimension)
The minimum barcode height (including quiet zones) is 32 modules high.
A commonly used barcode height is 6.67 mm (0.263 inches) at the 0.264 mm X-dimension.
3. Overall Barcode Size
The total width and height of the GS1 DataBar Limited barcode depend on the selected X-dimension:
X-Dimension (mm) | Barcode Width (mm) | Barcode Height (mm) |
---|---|---|
0.132 mm (Min) | 11.0 mm | 6.67 mm |
0.254 mm (Common) | 21.1 mm | 12.8 mm |
0.264 mm (Recommended) | 22.0 mm | 13.3 mm |
Additional Considerations
Quiet Zones
A minimum quiet zone of 2X (twice the module width) is required on both sides of the barcode for scanning reliability.
Printing Resolution
Ensure the printer can accurately reproduce the selected X-dimension to avoid scanning errors.
Scanner Compatibility
Check that scanners support GS1 DataBar Limited and can read at the chosen size.
Conclusion
The ideal GS1 DataBar Limited barcode size depends on the X-dimension selected for printing and scanning reliability. For best performance, use an X-dimension of 0.264 mm, resulting in a barcode width of 22 mm and height of 13.3 mm. Adjustments may be necessary based on space constraints and printing resolution.
How To Use Our Free GS1 Databar Limited Barcode Generator?

Using our free GS1 Databar Expanded Stacked Barcode Generator is simple and efficient. Start by entering your data, such as a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), expiration date, lot number, or other GS1-compliant details. If your GTIN is shorter than 14 digits, leading zeros will be added automatically to meet GS1 standards. Ensure that any additional information is formatted correctly to allow seamless encoding into the barcode structure.
After entering the data, click the “Generate GS1 Databar Expanded Stacked Barcode” button. The generator will instantly create your barcode in the expanded stacked format, adhering to GS1 specifications. You can download the resulting barcode in various formats, such as SVG, PNG, PDF, or JPG, making it easy to integrate into your product labels or packaging. Our generator is designed to streamline the process, delivering accurate and high-quality barcodes that are compatible with retail and supply chain systems.
How is the Checksum Calculated for GS1 Databar Limited Barcodes?

The GS1 DataBar Limited barcode follows a checksum calculation based on the Modulo 89 algorithm. Unlike GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked, which involves more complex encoding steps, GS1 DataBar Limited checksum generation is simpler and ensures the data integrity of the 14-digit GTIN.
Step-by-Step Checksum Calculation for GS1 DataBar Limited
Extract the GTIN-14
GS1 DataBar Limited only encodes a 14-digit Global Trade Item Number (GTIN-14).
Example GTIN-14: (01) 12345678901231
Ignore the First Digit (Indicator Digit)
The first digit of GTIN-14 (Indicator Digit) is not included in the checksum calculation.
For 12345678901231, only 2345678901231 is used in checksum computation.
Assign Weights to the Digits
Weights alternate between 3 and 1, starting from the rightmost digit.
Example weight pattern:
3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3, 1, 3
Applying this to 2345678901231:
(2×3), (3×1), (4×3), (5×1), (6×3), (7×1), (8×3), (9×1), (0×3), (1×1), (2×3), (3×1), (1×3)
Multiply Each Digit by Its Weight
(2×3) + (3×1) + (4×3) + (5×1) + (6×3) + (7×1) + (8×3) + (9×1) + (0×3) + (1×1) + (2×3) + (3×1) + (1×3)
= 6 + 3 + 12 + 5 + 18 + 7 + 24 + 9 + 0 + 1 + 6 + 3 + 3
Sum the Products
6 + 3 + 12 + 5 + 18 + 7 + 24 + 9 + 0 + 1 + 6 + 3 + 3 = 97
Compute Modulo 10
97 mod 10 = 7
Determine the Check Digit
Subtract the modulo result from 10:
10 – 7 = 3
If the result is 10, the check digit is 0.
Append the Check Digit to the GTIN-14
The final GTIN-14 including the check digit is:
12345678901231 (Check Digit = 3)
Final GS1 DataBar Limited Barcode Structure
The barcode symbol encodes the 14-digit GTIN including the computed check digit.
The checksum ensures scanning accuracy and prevents errors in retail and healthcare applications.
This method is standardized by GS1 and follows the Modulo 10 check digit algorithm, ensuring compliance with industry requirements.
What is the Character Limit of Your GS1 Databar Limited Barcode Generator?

The GS1 DataBar Limited barcode is specifically designed for small items and restricted space applications, primarily in the retail and healthcare sectors. It has a maximum data capacity of 14 numeric digits, which is typically used to encode a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN-12, GTIN-13, or GTIN-14). Unlike GS1 DataBar Expanded Stacked, GS1 DataBar Limited does not support alphanumeric characters or additional application identifiers beyond the GTIN.
This barcode is limited to a fixed width and cannot be stacked, making it ideal for small product labeling where space constraints exist. It also includes a mandatory leading digit restriction (digits 0 or 1 only), ensuring compatibility with specific retail scanning systems.
Is there a Scan Limit to the GS1 Databar Limited Barcode Generated Using your Online Barcode Generator?
The GS1 Databar Expanded Stacked barcode generated using our online tool is designed for optimal readability and does not inherently impose a scan limit. Its structure, featuring multiple stacked rows and separator patterns, ensures compatibility with omnidirectional scanners commonly used in retail environments.
However, the actual scan performance can be influenced by factors such as print quality, barcode size, and the scanning equipment used. Ensuring high-resolution printing and proper barcode dimensions, as well as using up-to-date scanning devices, will enhance the reliability and efficiency of barcode scanning in various applications.
Do You Have Other Barcode Generators?
Yes, we offer a wide variety of barcode generators. In addition to the GS1 Databar expanded stacked generator, you can create barcodes such as QR Code, Code 128, Code 39, EAN-13, ITF, and Data Matrix. We also support specialised barcode formats like Aztec code, Maxicode, and PDF 417. Each generator allows you to customise and download barcode images in formats suitable for commercial use. Whether for retail, logistics, or inventory, our tools cater to diverse business needs.