Look up any book using its ISBN-10 or ISBN-13 number. Get title, author, publisher, publication date, cover image, and more from the Open Library database.
About this tool
This tool uses the Open Library API to retrieve book information. Not all books may be in their database, especially newer releases.
Everything you need to know about ISBN numbers, book identification, and lookups
An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique 10 or 13-digit identifier assigned to published books. ISBN-13s start with 978 or 979, while ISBN-10s are the older 10-digit format used before 2007. Every edition and format of a book has its own unique ISBN.
ISBN-10 is the older format with 10 digits, used before January 2007. ISBN-13 is the current standard with 13 digits, starting with 978 or 979. Both identify the same book, and ISBN-10s can be converted to ISBN-13 by adding 978 and recalculating the check digit.
Check the book's back cover near the barcode, the copyright page (verso), or the book's retail listing on Amazon or bookstores. Ebooks also have ISBNs, typically listed on the copyright page or product details.
Yes, you can search by title or author on sites like Amazon, Google Books, or Open Library. However, ISBN provides the most accurate results since it's a unique identifier for each specific edition.
Yes, each edition and format of a book gets its own ISBN. A paperback, hardcover, and ebook version of the same title each have different ISBNs. Updated editions and reprints with significant changes also receive new ISBNs.
Yes, each format requires its own ISBN. A Kindle ebook, EPUB ebook, paperback, and hardcover of the same book all need separate ISBNs. Note that Amazon's ASINs are different identifiers and not the same as ISBNs.
Add the prefix "978" to the ISBN-10 (dropping the original check digit), then calculate the new check digit using modulo 10. Our tool automatically shows both ISBN-10 and ISBN-13 formats when available in the database.
The Open Library database may not include every book. Try searching major retailers like Amazon or the publisher's website. New releases, self-published books, and foreign editions may not appear immediately in the database.
It depends on your distribution goals. Amazon KDP provides free ASINs, but ISBNs are required for libraries, bookstores, and wide distribution. Owning your own ISBN gives you more control as the official publisher of record.
In the US, ISBNs cost $125 for one, $295 for 10, or $575 for 100 through Bowker (the official US ISBN agency). UK authors can get ISBNs free from Nielsen. Many self-publishing platforms offer free or discounted ISBNs, though you may not be listed as the publisher.
Need help with ISBNs for your self-published book?
Explore our publishing servicesHow ISBN-13 numbers are organized (example: 978-0-14-143951-8)
| Part | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | 978 | EAN prefix (978 or 979 for books) |
| Group | 0 | Registration group (language/country) |
| Publisher | 14 | Publisher identifier |
| Title | 143951 | Title identifier |
| Check | 8 | Check digit for validation |
Official ISBN agencies by country and their current pricing
| Country | Agency | Website | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Bowker | myidentifiers.com | $125/single |
| United Kingdom | Nielsen | nielsenisbnstore.com | Free |
| Canada | LAC | bac-lac.gc.ca | Free |
| Australia | Thorpe-Bowker | myidentifiers.com.au | AUD $44 |
| Germany | MVB | german-isbn.de | €90 |
Prices are approximate and may change. Visit official agencies for current rates.
Our professional publishing services include ISBN registration, metadata setup, and distribution to Amazon, libraries, and bookstores worldwide.