SKU generator
Type a category and product, list the colours and sizes, and get a readable SKU for every combination, ready for your stock sheet or shop.
Need barcode labels for these SKUs? Make Code 128 labels on printqrcodegenerator.com.
Made. Next, label and count: the app makes barcodes and batch-scans your stock into Excel.
The iPhone app- 01
Describe the product
Type a brand or shop (optional), the category and the product or style.
- 02
List the variants
Type the colours, sizes or other options, separated by commas. Every combination gets a SKU.
- 03
Tidy and download
Pick the separator and letters per part, fix any clashes, then download Excel or CSV or copy the list.
What makes a good SKU
A SKU (stock keeping unit) is your own code for one exact item: this T-shirt, in black, in medium. Unlike a barcode number, you make it up, so make it readable: the most general part first (category), the most specific last (size), the same order every time, and short parts of two to four letters.
Avoid spaces and symbols other than dashes, which some systems strip. Don't start with a 0, which spreadsheets drop. Don't reuse a SKU for a different item, even after the old one sells out.
How the letters are picked
Each word is shortened to its first letter plus consonants (Black → BLC, Large → LRG, Medium → MDM), numbers stay as they are, and two-word names use their initials (Navy Blue → NBL). If two words come out the same, the clash is marked so you can add a letter or change a word.
A SKU is not a barcode number. If your products go to other shops, they also need a GS1 barcode (UPC or EAN). For your own shelves, you can print the SKU itself as a Code 128 barcode.
UPC vs SKU and other barcode numbersPrint SKU barcode labels (sister site)
How do I create a SKU number?
Combine short codes for what the item is, most general first: category, product, then variants like colour and size. TSH-CLS-BLC-M is a classic T-shirt in black, medium. The generator builds them for every variant.
What is the difference between a UPC and a SKU?
A UPC is a global barcode number bought from GS1 and the same in every shop. A SKU is your own internal code, made up by you, and only meaningful in your business.
What is a SKU number example?
SHO-RUN-BLU-42 for blue running shoes in size 42, or BK-0153 for book number 153 in a shop's own list.
Should SKUs be numbers or letters?
Letters for the parts people read (category, colour), numbers for sizes and running counts. Mixed SKUs are easier to read on a shelf than long strings of digits.
How long should a SKU be?
Usually 8 to 12 characters. Long enough to be unique, short enough to read out and type.
Can I turn a SKU into a barcode?
Yes. SKUs are usually printed as Code 128 barcodes, which hold letters, numbers and dashes. Our sister site prints them.
QR Code Scan KitComing soon
