SKU Generator: Codes for Every Variant

A SKU (stock keeping unit) is your own code for one product variant, like a black T shirt in size M. A good SKU tells staff what the item is at a glance and keeps stock counts, orders and listings in step. This generator builds them for all variant combinations at once.

How to create a SKU

1. Start with the broad group: brand or category (HC for Hill Country).
2. Add the product (TSC for T shirt crew).
3. Add each variant in a fixed order: color then size (BLK, M).
4. Join with a separator: HC-TSC-BLK-M.

SKU rules that save trouble later

• Keep it 8 to 12 characters; letters, digits and hyphens only.
• Never start with 0 (spreadsheets drop it) and avoid O and I, which look like 0 and 1.
• Do not reuse a SKU for a different product, even after the old one is retired.
• Use the same attribute order for every product.

SKU, UPC and GTIN

A SKU is internal and free. A UPC or EAN barcode (GTIN) is a number licensed from GS1 that retailers scan; check one with the GTIN check digit calculator.

Download the list as an Excel file to import into your store or inventory system.