ISBN vs. ISSN: Know the Difference

By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 29, 2024

ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique identifier for books, while ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) identifies periodical publications like journals and magazines.

ISBN vs. ISSN

Key Differences

An ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a unique numeric identifier used primarily for books published worldwide. It helps in identifying a specific book, its edition, and its publisher, thereby simplifying the process of book distribution and purchase. On the other hand, an ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is a unique eight-digit code used to identify a periodical publication such as magazines, journals, and newspapers. Unlike ISBN, ISSN is not specific to a particular edition but to the entire series of the publication.

Feb 29, 2024

ISBNs are critical for the book publishing industry as they ensure that each version of a book (e.g., hardcover, paperback, e-book) can be distinctly identified. This system helps in efficient management of book inventories for publishers, libraries, and booksellers. ISSN, conversely, is used to uniquely identify a serial publication. This is particularly useful in libraries and databases where the identification of a journal or a magazine, regardless of its issue, is necessary.

Feb 29, 2024

The structure of an ISBN includes information about the book’s country or language of publication, the publisher, and the specific title. ISBNs are usually 13 digits long (formerly 10 digits before 2007). In contrast, the ISSN is an eight-digit number with no inherent meaning about the publication’s origin or content type. It serves as a straightforward, unique identifier for serials.

Feb 29, 2024

Applying for an ISBN is a process individual authors or publishers must undertake to identify their book uniquely. This is essential for the book's distribution and sale in the global market. On the other hand, obtaining an ISSN is a process usually undertaken by the publisher of a serial publication, to ensure that the periodical is recognized and can be tracked in various libraries and databases worldwide.

Feb 29, 2024

In summary, while both ISBN and ISSN are international standards used for identification, they serve different types of publications. ISBN is exclusive to books and their specific editions, aiding in their identification and sale, while ISSN is used for serial publications like journals, assisting in their cataloging and retrieval in libraries and databases.

Feb 29, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

Comparison Chart

Full Form

International Standard Book Number

International Standard Serial Number

Feb 29, 2024

Purpose

Identifies individual books and editions

Identifies periodical publications

Feb 29, 2024

Length

13 digits (formerly 10)

8 digits

Feb 29, 2024

Usage

Used in book publishing

Used for journals, magazines, newspapers

Feb 29, 2024

Information Conveyed

Country/language, publisher, title

Unique code for the publication series

Feb 29, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

ISBN and ISSN Definitions

ISBN

A 13-digit (formerly 10) unique book identifier.

Every version of the book has a different ISBN.

Jan 18, 2024

ISSN

An 8-digit code for serial publications.

Each journal has its unique ISSN for library databases.

Jan 18, 2024

ISBN

A system for classifying books globally.

ISBNs facilitate the international ordering of books.

Jan 18, 2024

ISSN

Standard for serial publication tracking.

The ISSN ensures seamless access to serial publications in research.

Jan 18, 2024

ISBN

A numeric identifier for books.

The ISBN ensures each edition of the book is uniquely identified.

Jan 18, 2024

ADVERTISEMENT

ISSN

Used for cataloging journals and magazines.

The ISSN is crucial for managing the library's periodicals section.

Jan 18, 2024

ISBN

A code representing a book's country, publisher, and title.

The ISBN on the back cover helps categorize the book in the library system.

Jan 18, 2024

ISSN

Helps in the identification of serials in databases.

Researchers use the ISSN to locate specific journals.

Jan 18, 2024

ISBN

Essential for book distribution and sale.

Online bookstores require an ISBN to list the book.

Jan 18, 2024

ISSN

An identifier for periodical publications.

The ISSN helps in cataloging different issues of the magazine.

Jan 18, 2024

Repeatedly Asked Queries

Can the same ISBN be used for different books?

No, each ISBN is unique to a specific book and edition.

Feb 29, 2024

What is an ISBN used for?

It's used to uniquely identify books and their specific editions.

Feb 29, 2024

How many digits are in an ISSN?

ISSN consists of 8 digits.

Feb 29, 2024

Is an ISBN mandatory for publishing a book?

It's not legally mandatory but essential for distribution and sales.

Feb 29, 2024

Does each issue of a magazine get a different ISSN?

No, the same ISSN is used for all issues of the same magazine series.

Feb 29, 2024

How many digits are in an ISBN?

ISBNs are 13 digits long (formerly 10 digits).

Feb 29, 2024

Is ISSN important for all magazines?

It's important for cataloging and library database purposes.

Feb 29, 2024

Are ISBNs the same in different countries?

No, they include country-specific elements.

Feb 29, 2024

Does an ISBN expire?

No, an ISBN does not expire.

Feb 29, 2024

What does an ISSN identify?

It identifies periodical publications like journals and magazines.

Feb 29, 2024

Do ebooks need an ISBN?

Yes, ebooks typically require an ISBN.

Feb 29, 2024

How is ISSN assigned?

Through the ISSN International Centre or its network.

Feb 29, 2024

Can a publication have both ISBN and ISSN?

Yes, if it's a book series also considered a periodical.

Feb 29, 2024

Does every version of a book need a new ISBN?

Yes, each edition or format of a book needs a separate ISBN.

Feb 29, 2024

Can ISSN be used for books?

No, ISSN is only for periodical publications.

Feb 29, 2024

Can ISBN be transferred to another book?

No, ISBNs are unique to each book and cannot be transferred.

Feb 29, 2024

How is an ISBN obtained?

It is obtained through national ISBN agencies.

Feb 29, 2024

Can ISSN be used for online publications?

Yes, online periodicals can also have an ISSN.

Feb 29, 2024

Do academic journals need an ISSN?

Yes, for proper cataloging and identification.

Feb 29, 2024

Is there a cost to get an ISSN?

This varies by country; some countries provide it for free.

Feb 29, 2024

Share this page

Link for your blog / website

HTML

Link to share via messenger

Kurta vs. Kurti

ISBN vs. ISSN

Prepaid Plans vs. Postpaid Plans

ISBN vs. ISSN

About Author

Written by

Shumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.

Trending Comparisons

Poem vs. Poetry

Poem vs. Poetry

December 25, 2023

A poem is a piece of writing that expresses ideas and emotions with a distinctive style and rhythm; poetry is the art form of writing such pieces.

Celsius vs. Kelvin

Celsius vs. Kelvin

January 1, 2024

Celsius is a temperature scale with 0°C as water's freezing point and 100°C its boiling point, while Kelvin is an absolute scale starting at absolute zero (0 K).

LTE vs. CDMA

February 4, 2024

LTE (Long Term Evolution) is a 4G wireless communication standard with high-speed data transfer, while CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) is an older 2G/3G technology for mobile networks.

Smart TV vs. Android TV

Smart TV vs. Android TV

December 25, 2023

A Smart TV is an internet-connected television with a variety of apps, while an Android TV is specifically a Smart TV powered by Google's Android TV operating system.

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

Japanese Eyes vs. Chinese Eyes

December 25, 2023

Japanese Eyes and Chinese Eyes refer to linguistic structures in Japanese and Chinese respectively, each reflecting unique aspects of grammar and syntax.

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

White Collar Crime vs. Blue Collar Crime

December 25, 2023

White Collar Crime involves non-violent, financially motivated offenses often committed by professionals, while Blue Collar Crime refers to physical or violent crimes often by manual laborers.

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

Seagate Exos x16 vs. Seagate Exos x18

February 8, 2024

The Seagate Exos X16 offers up to 16TB storage with a focus on high-capacity data centers, while the Exos X18 upgrades to 18TB, enhancing performance and capacity for enterprise demands.

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

Inox vs. Stainless Steel

January 10, 2024

Inox is a synonym for stainless steel, used mainly in Europe, while stainless steel is a corrosion-resistant alloy containing chromium.

NAT vs. PAT

March 5, 2024

NAT (Network Address Translation) translates private IP addresses to a public one for internet access. PAT (Port Address Translation) maps multiple private IP addresses to a single public IP using different ports.

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

Social Change vs. Cultural Change

December 25, 2023

Social change refers to shifts in societal structures and institutions, impacting behaviors and relationships among people. Cultural change pertains to alterations in a group's shared beliefs, values, and customs, influencing their way of life.

Assemble vs. Build

Assemble vs. Build

December 25, 2023

Assemble refers to the act of gathering and organizing pre-existing components, while build involves the creation of something new by combining various materials or elements.

Oscar vs. Emmy

February 20, 2024

The Oscar is an award for cinematic achievements, while the Emmy recognizes excellence in television.

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

2 Pole Motors vs. 4 Pole Motors

December 25, 2023

2 Pole Motors have one pair of magnetic poles and run at higher speeds, while 4 Pole Motors have two pairs of poles and operate at lower speeds, offering higher torque.

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

December 25, 2023

A Hard Copy is a physical version of a document or file, usually on paper, while a Soft Copy is a digital version of the document, stored electronically.

Payment vs. Remittance

Payment vs. Remittance

April 9, 2024

Payment is a transfer of money for goods or services, while remittance involves sending money to a distant location, often overseas.

ISO 9000 vs. ISO 14000

ISO 9000 vs. ISO 14000

February 13, 2024

ISO 9000 focuses on quality management and customer satisfaction, whereas ISO 14000 concentrates on environmental management and reducing environmental impact.

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

Gorilla Glass 3 vs. Gorilla Glass 5

January 1, 2024

Gorilla Glass 3 offers improved scratch resistance and durability compared to its predecessors, while Gorilla Glass 5 focuses on enhanced drop protection and toughness.

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

Catapult vs. Trebuchet

January 4, 2024

A catapult is a ballistic device using tension or torsion to launch projectiles, while a trebuchet is a type of catapult using a counterweight for greater force and distance.

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 '07

Nike Air Force 1 LE vs. Nike Air Force 1 ’07

April 16, 2024

Nike Air Force 1 LE often represents limited edition releases with unique designs, while Nike Air Force 1 '07 is a modern version of the classic, maintaining the iconic style with updated materials.

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

Gorilla Glass vs. Panda Glass

January 5, 2024

Gorilla Glass is a highly durable, scratch-resistant glass used in electronic devices, while Panda Glass is a similar protective glass known for its high transparency and toughness.

Analog Computer vs. Digital Computer

Analog Computer vs. Digital Computer

December 25, 2023

An Analog Computer processes continuous data, whereas a Digital Computer processes data in discrete numerical form.

Ginger vs. Redhead

Ginger vs. Redhead

February 2, 2024

"Ginger" often connotes a fiery red hair color and a pale complexion, while "redhead" is a more general term for anyone with red hair, regardless of shade or skin tone.

Grand Opening vs. Soft Opening

Grand Opening vs. Soft Opening

December 25, 2023

A Grand Opening is a highly publicized and celebratory launch of a business or venue, while a Soft Opening is a more subdued trial opening, often with limited services or a smaller audience.

Unitary Government vs. Federal Government

Unitary Government vs. Federal Government

December 25, 2023

Unitary governments centralize power, while federal governments distribute power across national and regional authorities.

Featured Comparisons

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Helicopter vs. Chopper

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Hard Copy vs. Soft Copy

Fate vs. Destiny

Fate vs. Destiny

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Cuddle vs. Snuggle

Coyote vs. Jackal

Coyote vs. Jackal