Code 39 is a discrete, variable length and low data density barcode symbology designed for encoding uppercase letters A-Z, digits 0-9 and special characters such as space, minus (-), period (.), dollar sign ($), slash (/), percent (%) and plus (+) and character self checking. Code 39 was created in 1974 by Dr. David Allais and Ray Stevens of Intermec and afterward standardized as ANSI MH 10.8 M-1983 and MIL-STD-1189.
Code 39 is also well known with other names including USS Code 39, Code 3/9, Code 3 of 9, USD-3, Alpha39, Type 39 and others.
Character set of Code 39 barcode symbology
The character set of Code 39 barcode symbology comprises of 43 characters with an additional character used as delimiter or start/stop character.
- Digits (0-9)
- Uppercase Characters (A-Z)
- Special Characters including space, minus (-), period (.), dollar sign ($), slash (/), percent (%) and plus (+)
The asterisk (*) is used only for start/stop character.
Structure of Code 39 symbology
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In the structure of Code 39 barcode symbology, each character is made up of 9 bars including 3 wide bars and rest shown as narrow bars. Thus a single character comprises of 5 black bars and 4 white bars. |
| The intercharacter space is also involved to represent space between barcode characters. The width of intercharacter space is not defined but generally same as a narrow white bar. |
Applications of Code 39 barcode symbology
- Code 39 is a common barcode type used for various labels such as name badges and inventory applications
- Implements in industries
- Code 39 is used as most popular symbology in non retail world
- Broadly used in manufacturing, military, and health applications
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