An automatic code recognizing apparatus includes an arithmetic operation unit for calculating the distance from a barcode scanner to the upper surface center of an article to be detected and the distances from barcode scanners to the side surface centers of the article to be detected based on detection signals from a height sensor and a TV camera. A mirror is controlled to focus the focal positions of the barcode scanners on the upper surface center and side surface centers of the article based on the result of calculation of the arithmetic operation unit. With this arrangement, there can be provided the automatic barcode recognizing apparatus capable of recognizing a barcode with a pinpoint accuracy and excellent responsiveness.