ISBN-10 to ISBN-13 converter
Convert a book's ISBN between its 10 and 13-digit forms, check it is valid, or convert a whole list from a spreadsheet.
Hyphens and spaces are fine. An ISBN-10 can end in X.
Convert a list
Converted. Cataloguing books? Batch scan the ISBN barcodes with the app and export the list to Excel.
The iPhone app- 01
Type the ISBN
Enter it with or without hyphens. An ISBN-10 can end in X.
- 02
Get the other form
The converter checks the ISBN and shows the other form with a copy button, or explains why there isn't one.
- 03
Convert many
Paste a list under Convert a list and download Excel or CSV with both forms side by side.
How the two forms relate
Until 2007 books had 10-digit ISBNs. Since then every ISBN has 13 digits, so it also works as the book's barcode (an EAN-13). To convert, put 978 in front of the first nine digits and work out a new check digit. The last character changes because the two forms use different check rules.
ISBN-13s that start with 979 are newer and were never given a 10-digit form, so they can't be converted back. Old 9-digit SBNs from the 1960s become ISBN-10 by adding a 0 in front.
Finding the ISBN on a book
It is printed on the back cover above the barcode, and on the copyright page inside. The barcode itself always holds the ISBN-13. A second small barcode next to it (5 digits) is usually the price, not part of the ISBN.
How do I convert ISBN-10 to ISBN-13?
Put 978 in front of the first 9 digits and calculate a new check digit with the EAN rule. 0-306-40615-2 becomes 978-0-306-40615-7. The converter does it for you.
Can every ISBN-13 be converted to ISBN-10?
Only those starting with 978. ISBNs starting with 979 have no 10-digit form.
Why is the last digit different after converting?
It is a check digit, and ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 use different formulas (mod 11 and mod 10), so it usually changes.
What does X mean in an ISBN?
In an ISBN-10 the check can be 10, which is written as X. ISBN-13s never contain an X.
Is an ISBN the same as a barcode?
The barcode on a book is the ISBN-13 printed as an EAN-13. Scanning the barcode gives you the ISBN-13.
Does it add the hyphens?
No. Where the hyphens go depends on the publisher's registration range, which needs a lookup list. Shops, libraries and databases accept ISBNs without hyphens.
QR Code Scan KitComing soon
