All Tools

Area Code Lookup

Identifies the geographic location associated with any U.S. telephone area code

Enter a 3-digit US area code to look up its location

State

US state or territory for this area code

City / Region

Major city or region served by this area code

Timezone

Primary timezone for this area code

Frequently Asked Questions

How are US area codes assigned?

Area codes are assigned by the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA). Originally, areas with higher call volumes got codes that were faster to dial on rotary phones (like 212 for New York). Today, new codes are assigned based on number exhaustion in existing areas, often as overlays.

What is an overlay area code?

An overlay is a new area code that covers the same geographic area as an existing one. Instead of splitting a region, all new numbers get the new code while existing numbers keep the old one. This requires 10-digit dialing for all calls in the area. Most new area codes are overlays.

Can I tell where a cell phone is from by its area code?

An area code indicates where the phone number was originally assigned, not where the person currently lives. With number portability, people keep their numbers when they move. A 212 (Manhattan) number could belong to someone living anywhere in the country.