Code 93 was designed to fix Code 39's main weaknesses: low density and weak error checking. It encodes the full ASCII character set and includes two modulo-47 check digits automatically.
Code 93 is uncommon in the wild — most environments that need an upgrade from Code 39 pick Code 128 instead. Use Code 93 when your scanner or specification requires it.
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Compared to Code 128 and Code 39
Code 93 is roughly 30% denser than Code 39 and supports the full ASCII set through shift characters. Compared to Code 128, it is slightly less dense and less universally supported but otherwise similar.
Most barcode scanners read Code 93 out of the box, but a few low-end CCD readers ship with it disabled. Test with your target scanner before committing.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Code 93 backwards-compatible with Code 39 scanners?
- No. They are different symbologies. A Code 39 scanner that doesn't support Code 93 will not read it.
- How many check digits does Code 93 use?
- Two — generated automatically by the encoder and validated by the scanner.