BISAC Subject Codes

A close-up of a hand reaching out to a bookshelf, the index finger is pulling on the spine of a book.

BISAC Subject Headings List

Want to find a code to categorize a book? The BISAC Subject Codes List* (or BISAC Subject Headings) is the US standard topical categorization used by companies throughout the supply chain. The Subject Heading applied to a book can determine where the work is shelved in a brick and mortar store or the genre(s) under which it can be searched for in an internal database.

How It Works 

There’s no fee to select and use BISAC codes to categorize a book. The complete BISAC Subject Headings List is freely available online for one-to-one look-up. Additionally, you don’t need permission to use BISAC codes. To find out how to choose the best subject code(s) for your book, check out our FAQ.

Browse the Current BISAC List  

Need to request an End Users’ License?

If you want to do more than browse, BISG members can acquire a licensed file download of the Subject Headings List in Excel, PDF and Word for unlimited use or for incorporation in your company's internal databases. This service is free for members. Non-members can also download the list with pricing based on your annual company revenue. These fees allow BISG to maintain the code standards.  

Purchase or download the full BISAC List

Additional BISAC Resources

BISAC FAQ
Everything you need to know about how to use, acquire and license BISAC codes. 

Appendix of Inactivated Codes
Find out which codes are no longer in use.  

Updates from 2022 Edition
See any additions, changes or deletions since the previous list.  

BISAC Merchandising Themes
Optional merchandising themes and topics that can be used in conjunction with BISAC codes.

BISAC Regional Themes
Optional regional themes that can be used in conjunction with BISAC or merchandising themes. 

BISAC Subject Code Events

Icon of a calendar with rounded corners. Six boxes in two rows, with the lower middle one filled in. Blue-green gradient line art.

View all BISAC webinars and events

Headshot of Joshua Tallent, BISG member

“Unlike other organizations that focus on specific segments or groups, BISG's focus on the complete supply chain makes it the perfect place to build relationships across the entire publishing industry. That breadth of industry input also allows the conversations in committees to be more robust, and the resulting discussions, recommendations, and best practices are able to address a broader range of needs at the same time.”

Joshua Tallent, Director of Sales and Education, Firebrand Technologies, Vice Chair BISG Board, Member of the Workflow Committee

Copyright 2022, Book Industry Study Group, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the BISAC Subject Headings List documentation may be distributed or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without the express permission of the Book Industry Study Group, Inc.

Subscribe to BISG's Newsletter

 Get the latest industry news, from a diverse slate of voices, delivered to your inbox.  Sign up

View from above of a desk with an open laptop, books lined up neatly, a pair of glasses, a camera, and apple, and a small pottted plant. The laptop is cropped at the keyboard, and most of the space is empty desk.