Enter an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) below to check if it's valid. This tool supports both ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 formats.
About ISBNs
An ISBN is a unique identifier for books and other publications. ISBN-10 was used until 2007, after which ISBN-13 became the standard. Both formats are still considered valid.
ISBN-10 format: X-XXXX-XXXX-X
ISBN-13 format: XXX-X-XXXX-XXXX-X
Where X represents a digit (0-9) or, in the case of ISBN-10, the last character can also be 'X' representing the number 10.
What is an ISBN Validator?
An ISBN Validator is a tool that checks if an ISBN is correctly formatted and mathematically valid. Every ISBN includes a check digit—the last number (or ‘X’ in ISBN-10)—which ensures the code is legitimate. Our validator supports both:
- ISBN-10: The 10-digit format used before 2007.
- ISBN-13: The 13-digit standard in use today.
- Invalid ISBNs can cause issues in publishing, cataloging, or sales, so verifying them is essential for authors, publishers, and booksellers.
How to Use the ISBN Validator
Using our tool is quick and straightforward:
- Enter Your ISBN: Type or paste your ISBN-10 or ISBN-13 into the input box.
- Click Validate: Press the “Validate” button to check its authenticity.
- See the Result: Instantly find out if your ISBN is valid or if there’s an error to fix.
Supported Formats:
- ISBN-10: X-XXXX-XXXX-X (e.g., 0-7475-3269-9)
- ISBN-13: XXX-X-XXXX-XXXX-X (e.g., 978-0-306-40615-7)
The tool accepts ISBNs with or without hyphens—just make sure the digits are correct!
About ISBNs
An ISBN is a unique identifier assigned to books, eBooks, and other publications to distinguish them globally. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- ISBN-10: Introduced in 1970, this 10-digit format was the standard until 2007. The last character (check digit) can be a number (0-9) or ‘X’ (representing 10).
- ISBN-13: Launched in 2007, this 13-digit format aligns with the EAN-13 barcode system and typically starts with 978 or 979. It’s now the global standard.
Both formats remain in use, and our ISBN Validator ensures compatibility with either.
Why Validate an ISBN?
Validating an ISBN is crucial for several reasons:
- Error Detection: Catch typos or formatting mistakes before publishing or listing a book.
- System Compatibility: Ensure your ISBN works with databases, retailers, and library systems.
- Professionalism: A valid ISBN builds trust with distributors, bookstores, and readers.
- Avoid Delays: Prevent issues in supply chains or sales due to invalid numbers.
With ISBN Publishing’s Validator, you can confirm your ISBN’s accuracy in seconds!
How ISBN Validation Works
Every ISBN includes a check digit calculated using a specific algorithm:
- ISBN-10: Multiply each digit by a weight (10 down to 1), sum the results, and divide by 11. The remainder determines the check digit (0-10, with 10 as ‘X’).
- ISBN-13: Multiply digits by alternating weights (1 and 3), sum them, and adjust to the nearest multiple of 10. The final digit is the check digit.
Our tool does this math for you—no manual calculations required!
Examples:
- ISBN-10: 0-306-40615-2 → Valid
- ISBN-13: 978-0-7475-3269-9 → Valid
- Invalid: 0-306-40615-3 → Fails check digit test
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What makes an ISBN invalid?
An ISBN is invalid if it has the wrong number of digits, incorrect characters, or a check digit that doesn’t match the calculated value. - Can I validate ISBNs without hyphens?
Yes! Our tool works with or without hyphens—just enter the digits as they appear. - Is this ISBN Validator free?
Absolutely! There’s no cost or registration needed to use our validator. - What if my ISBN isn’t valid?
If your ISBN fails validation, double-check for typos. If it’s still invalid, contact your ISBN agency or provider for assistance. - Can I validate bulk ISBNs?
Currently, our tool processes one ISBN at a time. For bulk validation requests, reach out to us.