ISBN vs UPC: Which One Do You Need for Your Book?
If you're publishing a book in 2025, you may be wondering whether you need an ISBN, a UPC, or both. While they look similar and both create barcodes, ISBNs and UPCs serve very different purposes. This guide breaks it down simply—so you know exactly what you need for your paperback, hardcover, ebook, or audiobook.
Buy ISBNs for Your BookWhat Is an ISBN?
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 13-digit identifier used specifically for books and book-like products. Every format of a book that is sold or distributed to retailers, libraries, or online platforms should have its own ISBN.
ISBNs are used for:
- Paperback books
- Hardcovers
- Ebooks (optional for Kindle, required for wide distribution)
- Audiobooks
- Workbooks, manuals, and educational materials
The ISBN identifies a specific format and edition—not the price. You can publish a book without a UPC, but you cannot publish a physical book without an ISBN.
What Is a UPC?
A UPC (Universal Product Code) is a 12-digit identifier used for retail products in the U.S. and Canada. These are the barcodes you see on:
- Consumer packaged goods
- Electronics
- Toys
- Food and beverages
- General merchandise
Books generally do not use UPCs unless they are sold as non-standard retail bundles (ex: book + toy, book + DVD, gift sets).
ISBN vs UPC: The Simple Difference
Here’s the easiest explanation:
- ISBN → identifies the book itself
- UPC → identifies a commercial retail product
If you are publishing a normal book, you need an ISBN, not a UPC.
Do You Need a Barcode for Your ISBN?
Yes. Bookstores and online retailers require a scannable barcode that contains your ISBN plus an optional 5-digit price add-on (called the “EAN-5”). This barcode goes on the bottom right of your back cover.
When you purchase an ISBN from UPCs.com, you receive:
- Your 13-digit ISBN
- A print-ready barcode image (PNG + PDF)
When a Book Might Use a UPC
Most books never need a UPC. However, there are special situations where a UPC can be used or required:
- Book + toy bundles (children’s sets)
- Book + DVD sets
- Board game + book hybrids
- Gift items with books included
- Calendars sold as retail products (sometimes use UPC instead of ISBN)
In these cases, the book becomes a general retail product, so a UPC is appropriate.
Do You Need Both an ISBN and a UPC?
In almost every case, no.
- A regular book: ISBN only
- A retail gift bundle: Usually UPC only
- A book sold in bookstores: Always ISBN
If you're selling a standalone book, you should always choose an ISBN.
Ebooks: ISBN or UPC?
Ebooks never use UPCs. Digital products are not scanned in physical retail stores.
For ebooks:
- Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): ISBN optional
- Apple Books, Kobo, Google Play, etc.: ISBN highly recommended
If you're publishing wide, you should assign an ISBN to your ebook.
Audiobooks: ISBN or UPC?
Audiobooks use ISBNs, not UPCs.
ACX (Audible) does not require one, but having your own ISBN makes your audiobook more professional and consistent across platforms.
Quick Comparison Chart
- ISBN: For books, libraries, bookstores, Amazon, IngramSpark
- UPC: For general retail products, bundles, gift items
- ISBN Barcode: Required for paperbacks & hardcovers
- UPC Barcode: Used only on non-standard book products
So… Which One Do You Need?
For 99% of authors and publishers, the answer is simple:
You need an ISBN—NOT a UPC.
An ISBN makes your book recognizable to bookstores, distributors, libraries, and online retailers worldwide. A UPC is only necessary if you’re selling a non-standard product bundle.
Buy ISBNs for Your BookFinal Recommendation
If you're publishing a paperback, hardcover, ebook, or audiobook, you need a proper ISBN to be taken seriously as an author or publisher.
UPCs.com provides fast, affordable ISBNs that include a print-ready barcode—perfect for Amazon KDP, IngramSpark, Barnes & Noble, and bookstore distribution.
Get Your ISBN Today