How to structure a SKU

A SKU is a short code you assign to each product so you can find it, count it, and order it without confusion. A good format has three parts:

  • A short prefix with meaning. A category or product line, abbreviated to a few letters, so a human can read a report at a glance.
  • One or two attributes. The things that distinguish variants, like color or size. Keep each to a few characters.
  • A sequential number. This is what actually makes each SKU unique. Pad it with leading zeros so codes sort correctly.

For example, a lavender candle in an 8oz jar might become CAN-LAV-8OZ-001. The prefix tells you it is a candle, the middle tells you the variant, and the number keeps it unique.

SKU mistakes to avoid

  • Encoding too much. Long SKUs that try to describe every attribute get brittle and hard to type. Keep meaning short.
  • Ambiguous characters. Avoid the letter O next to the number 0, and the letter I next to the number 1. They cause miscounts.
  • Spaces and symbols. Stick to uppercase letters, numbers, and a single separator. Spaces break CSV imports and barcode scanners.
  • Reusing old SKUs. Once a product is retired, retire its SKU too. Reusing it corrupts your history.

Do it automatically instead

Designing a format once is easy. Applying it to hundreds of products, keeping it consistent as your team grows, and never reusing a code is not. Stockria can assign SKUs automatically as you add products, or import the CSV you just generated in one step. Start free for up to 250 items, every feature included. You can also try the reorder point calculator or see Stockria in action.

Frequently asked questions

What is a SKU?

A SKU (stock keeping unit) is a short internal code you assign to each product so you can track it in inventory, on purchase orders, and at the point of sale. Unlike a barcode, a SKU is yours to design, so it can carry a little meaning, like a category or size.

What makes a good SKU?

Keep it short, consistent, and made only of uppercase letters and numbers. Put a small amount of meaning up front (category or attribute), then let a sequential number make it unique. Avoid spaces and avoid characters that get confused, like the letter O and the number 0, or the letter I and the number 1.

Should SKUs contain meaning?

A little helps. A short prefix like CAN for candles lets a human scan a shelf or a report and know roughly what they are looking at. But do not try to encode everything, long meaningful SKUs get brittle. Keep the meaningful part to a few characters and let the number do the unique work.

Is this SKU generator free?

Yes, completely free with no signup. Download the CSV and use it anywhere. If you want Stockria to assign and manage SKUs for every product automatically, the free plan covers up to 250 items with every feature included.

Put this generator on your site

Run a maker, craft, or small-business blog? Embed this SKU generator for free. Paste the snippet below where you want it to appear.