ISBN 10 vs. ISBN 13 — What's the Difference?

ISBN 10, the older system, consists of 10 digits and was the standard format for book identification until 2007. It includes a group identifier (like country or language), a publisher code, an item number, and a check digit. ISBN 13, introduced in 2007, expanded the format to 13 digits to increase the capacity for new ISBNs and align with global product identification standards (EAN). It also includes a prefix element (typically "978" or "979").

The transition to ISBN 13 was primarily driven by the need for more numbers to accommodate the growing number of publications worldwide. While ISBN 10 was sufficient for many years, the book industry's expansion necessitated a longer code. ISBN 13 is compatible with the global EAN barcode system, making it more suitable for international trade.

In terms of calculation, the check digit in ISBN 10 is derived using a modulus 11 algorithm, which can result in the check digit being a number or 'X'. ISBN 13 uses a modulus 10 algorithm, where the check digit is always a number. This difference in check digit calculation reflects the systems' adaptation to the respective length and format requirements.

For publishers and booksellers, ISBN 13 offers a more standardized and globally recognized system. While ISBN 10 codes can be converted to ISBN 13 (usually by adding the prefix "978"), new books are exclusively assigned ISBN 13 numbers. The transition to ISBN 13 reflects the publishing industry's adaptation to global digitization and the increased volume of publications.