UNB ECE4253 Digital Communications
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering - University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, Canada

ISBN-10 Error Detection Tool

Error control codes can be implemented within written values such as account numbers and price tags by appending a single check digit.

1118115392
The final digit 2 serves for error control.

In the case of books, the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) adds a single check digit to create a 10-character book number. This standard was replaced by a new 13-digit version in January, 2007.


ISBN-10 Check Calculation

   1    1    1    8    1    1    5    3    9    2  
 x10   x9   x8   x7   x6   x5   x4   x3   x2   x1  
  --   --   --   --   --   --   --   --   --   --   
  10 +  9 +  8 + 56 +  6 +  5 + 20 +  9 + 18 +  2  = 143


143 ≡ 0 (mod 11) (check: 13 x 11 = 143 exactly)
The test PASSED since a zero result was obtained.

There is a one-in-eleven chance that a totally random number will pass this simple validity test.


Check an ISBN-10 number by entering it in the box below. Dashes may be used between digits as desired. Select the Simplifed box to show a calculation shortcut.
   MATLAB    Simplified

2024-04-19 00:16:04 ADT
Last Updated: 2015-02-15
Richard Tervo [ tervo@unb.ca ] Back to the course homepage...