An area code is a three-digit number that identifies a specific geographic region within the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Originally introduced in 1947, area codes streamline long-distance calling and automate telephone switching across the United States, Canada, and several Caribbean nations.

How They Work

Area codes tell the telephone network which geographic region to route calls to, creating unique identifiers for every phone line.

Geographic Coverage

Each code covers a specific region, from entire states to portions of major cities, based on population density.

Historical Evolution

From 86 original codes in 1947 to over 300 today through splits and overlays as populations grew.

Modern Usage

Number portability means you can keep your area code when moving, making location tracking less reliable.

Why Area Codes Matter Today

Identify Unknown Callers: Quickly determine call origins to screen numbers and avoid scams
Business Use: Local area codes increase trust and answer rates for companies
Time Zone Awareness: Avoid calling at inconvenient times across regions
Spam Detection: Recognize patterns used by scammers and telemarketers

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about area codes

How do I find out what area code a phone number is from?

Simply enter the three-digit area code in our search bar above. You'll instantly see the state, major cities, time zone, and additional information about that area code.

Can area codes tell me the exact location of a caller?

Area codes indicate the general region where a phone number was originally assigned, but due to number portability, people can keep their numbers when moving. For exact location tracking, use a reverse phone lookup service.

Why am I getting calls from unfamiliar area codes?

Unknown area code calls could be from legitimate businesses, friends traveling, or scammers. Many telemarketers use various area codes to appear local. Always verify unknown callers before sharing personal information.

What is an area code overlay?

An overlay occurs when a new area code is assigned to the same geographic region as an existing code. For example, Los Angeles has multiple overlapping codes (213, 323, 310, 424). Overlays require 10-digit dialing for all calls.

How many area codes are there in the United States?

There are currently over 300 active geographic area codes in the United States, with new codes being added as regions run out of available numbers. Our database includes all active area codes with detailed information.

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