To look up a product by barcode, enter the 12-digit UPC (or 13-digit EAN) printed under the bars into a barcode lookup or price comparison app. It identifies the exact brand, product and size, and a price comparison app also shows what that item costs at stores near you.
What a barcode lookup shows
- The exact product: brand, item, size and variant.
- Product details like packaging and category, depending on the database.
- Prices, if you use a price comparison app rather than a plain lookup tool.
A plain lookup tells you what something is. A price comparison scanner tells you where to buy it cheapest, which is usually the reason you're looking.
How to look up a UPC
- Find the number printed under the barcode, usually 12 digits (UPC) or 13 (EAN).
- Type it exactly, including any leading zero.
- Check the result matches the package: same brand, size and variant.
- Compare prices across stores near you.
- Scan the barcode of the item on the shelf with Price Match Paradise. No account needed to start.
- Review matching offers across supported retailer sources, with stock status and price-match guidance when the retailer data is available.
- Decide in the aisle: ask for a match, buy it here because it's already the best price, or pick it up where it's cheaper.
Why a lookup returns nothing
| Cause | What to do |
|---|---|
| Typo or missing leading zero | Re-enter the digits carefully |
| New or regional product | Try again later, or search by name and size |
| Store-printed label (starts with 2) | Not a product code. Use the manufacturer's barcode |
| In-store code (starts with 4) | Store-specific, not comparable |
| Produce sticker | That's a PLU code, not a UPC |
More on what the digits mean in what the numbers on a barcode mean, and if scanning fails, see 9 quick fixes.
When a barcode lookup is handy
- Checking a price before you buy, without hunting through search results.
- Confirming two items are identical for a price match.
- Re-ordering the exact product you bought last time.
- Identifying an unlabeled item from a photo of its barcode.
FAQ
How do I look up a product by barcode?
Enter the 12-digit UPC or 13-digit EAN printed under the barcode into a lookup or price comparison app. It identifies the exact product, and a price app also shows local prices.
Can I search by UPC number instead of scanning?
Yes. The number under the barcode is the same code the scanner reads, so typing it works when a scan fails.
Why does my barcode lookup return no results?
Common causes are a typo, a missing leading zero, a new or regional product, or a store-printed label that isn't a product code.
Is a UPC lookup free?
Many tools and apps are free to use. Price Match Paradise is free to download and needs no account to start.
From barcode to best price.
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Price Match Paradise Team
We build the barcode price comparison app that helps shoppers find the lowest price on the item in their hand. Spotted a policy change? Let us know.