ISBN Validator

Validate ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 book identifiers with checksum verification and format conversion.

ISBN Validator

Enter an ISBN (with or without hyphens). ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 are both supported.

How to Use

  1. Enter an ISBN — Type or paste an ISBN-10 or ISBN-13. Hyphens are handled automatically.
  2. Instant validation — The ISBN is validated in real-time using the appropriate checksum algorithm.
  3. View details — See the format type, check digit, and formatted version.
  4. Convert — ISBN-10 is automatically converted to ISBN-13 (prefix 978).

What Is an ISBN?

The International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is a unique numeric identifier for books. ISBNs are either 10 digits (ISBN-10) or 13 digits (ISBN-13) long. ISBN-13 has been required since 2007 and includes the EAN prefix (978 or 979).

An ISBN-13 breaks down as: Prefix (3) + Registration Group (1-5) + Registrant (2-7) + Publication (1-6) + Check Digit (1)

  • Prefix — 978 or 979 (Bookland EAN prefix)
  • Registration group — Country or language area (e.g., 0 = English, 2 = French)
  • Registrant — Specific publisher
  • Publication — Specific edition of a book
  • Check digit — Validates the entire ISBN

Registration Group Ranges

Range Group
0English (US, UK, Australia, etc.)
1English (South Africa, Zimbabwe)
2French
3German
4Japanese
5Russian
6Chinese
7Spanish
80-94Various countries
978-999Various countries

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ISBN-10 and ISBN-13?

ISBN-10 uses a 10-digit format with a mod-11 checksum (last digit can be X), while ISBN-13 uses a 13-digit format with a mod-10 checksum. ISBN-13 became the standard in 2007.

Can I convert ISBN-10 to ISBN-13?

Yes, simply add the prefix "978" and recalculate the check digit. Not all ISBN-10s can be converted — those starting with a 979 prefix in ISBN-13 have no ISBN-10 equivalent.

What does the check digit validate?

The check digit validates the entire ISBN. For ISBN-10, the weighted sum (weights 10,9,8,...,2) must be divisible by 11. For ISBN-13, the weighted sum (alternating 1,3,1,3,...) must be divisible by 10.

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