Matrix 2 of 5 Barcode - Dynamsoft Barcode Reader SDK

Matrix 2 of 5, also known as Matrix 2/5, is a numeric barcode symbology used primarily in industrial and warehouse applications. It is a variant of the Interleaved 2 of 5 barcode but differs in its encoding structure. Matrix 2 of 5 is a low-density barcode that is suitable for applications where space is not a constraint and simplicity is preferred.

Specifications

Character Set: Numeric (digits 0-9)
Length: Variable
Check Digit: Optional, typically Modulo 10
Structure: Uses narrow and wide bars in a continuous pattern
Start/Stop Patterns: Defined by unique bar sequences

Matrix 2 of 5 encodes numeric data using a two-width system, where each character consists of 5 bars, with 2 of them being wide. It differs from Interleaved 2 of 5 in that it does not interleave pairs of digits but instead encodes them sequentially in a continuous format.

Where is Matrix 2 of 5 Barcode used?

Matrix 2 of 5 is commonly used in industrial and warehouse environments for inventory management, tracking, and sorting. Its simplicity and low-density design make it suitable for applications where barcode size is not a critical factor.

Industry

Warehousing
Manufacturing
Logistics

How could Dynamsoft help you with Matrix 2 of 5?

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Comparison of Two-Out-of-Five Barcode Variants

All three symbologies belong to the two-out-of-five barcode family, meaning each digit is represented using five total encoding units (either bars, spaces, or a combination of both).

Industrial 2 of 5 encodes each digit using five bars.
Interleaved 2 of 5 encodes digits in pairs, with the first digit represented by five bars and the second by five spaces.
Matrix 2 of 5 encodes each digit using five elements, which may include both bars and spaces in a continuous (non-interleaved) pattern.

Feature	Industrial 2 of 5	Interleaved 2 of 5 (ITF)	Matrix 2 of 5
Encoding Width	Two-width (wide and narrow)	Two-width (wide and narrow)	Two-width (wide and narrow)
Encoding Method	Encodes data only with black bars	Digits are encoded in pairs; the first digit is encoded in the five bars (black lines), while the second digit is encoded in the five spaces (white lines) interleaved with them.	Encodes data using both black bars and white spaces in a continuous mode (not interleaved).
Wide Bar/Space Rule	Two out of every five bars are wide	Two out of every five bars or spaces are wide	Two out of every five bars or spaces are wide
Length	Variable length	Variable length (only even numbers of digits can be encoded; odd numbers typically require a leading zero)	Variable length
Density	Low density	High density	Moderate density
Character Set	Digits (0-9)	Digits (0-9)	Digits (0-9)
Check Character	Not typically used	Optional checking character	Optional checking character
Variants	Used in USPS (POSTNET, PLANET), and Code 39	ITF-14 (widely used for shipping and logistics)	Datalogic 2 of 5