What is the value of the outside and middle bars of the Universal Product Code?
The outside left-hand bar, the outside right-hand bar, and the center bar of the Universal Product Code each have a value of six. The other numbers vary, but those unmarked bars are assigned six, showing how an expanded code could yield an 18-digit identifying number.
Les explains that the mark of the beast is, in his view, an 18-digit computer number—three sets of six digits. He points to the Universal Product Code, noting that the outside left-hand bar, outside right-hand bar, and the very middle bar have a value of six, while other numbers on packaging may be two, three, or four. He says all that is needed is to expand the code by a couple more lines to reach 18 digits, enough to give every person a separate number.