The US area code reference lists all major US area codes with state, major cities served, and time zone. Search by area code number, state, or city to find exactly what you need.
US Area Codes
| Area Code | State / Territory | Major Cities | Time Zone |
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How to Use the US Area Code Reference
Area codes are the first three digits of a 10-digit US phone number. They were originally designed geographically — each area code covered a specific region. Today, number portability and overlays mean a code may cover a very dense urban area or multiple states.
Search by area code
Type the three-digit area code in the search box to instantly find the state and cities it serves. This is useful when you receive an unknown call and want to identify where the number is registered.
Search by state or city
Type a state name or city to see all area codes serving that area. Major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago now have multiple overlay codes (212/646/332 for Manhattan) due to phone number demand.
Understanding overlay codes
When an area code exhausts its available numbers, a new overlay code is assigned to the same geography. When overlay codes exist, 10-digit dialing is required for all calls in that area, even local ones. For example, calling Manhattan requires dialing 212/646/332 + 7 digits, not just 7 digits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this area code lookup free?
Yes, completely free with no signup required.
How many area codes does the US have?
The North American Numbering Plan (NANP) includes over 300 active area codes in the US, plus additional codes for Canada, Mexico, and Caribbean nations. The US alone has approximately 290+ active area codes, with new overlay codes added regularly as demand for phone numbers increases.
What is an overlay area code?
An overlay area code covers the same geographic area as an existing code. Overlays are created when an area runs out of available phone numbers. For example, 332 overlays 212 in Manhattan. When overlays exist, 10-digit dialing becomes mandatory even for local calls.
What do area codes 800, 888, 866 mean?
These are toll-free area codes — the receiving party (business) pays for the call rather than the caller. The 8XX toll-free codes include: 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844, 833, and 822. They are not geographic and can be reached from anywhere in North America.
Can I tell where a call is from by the area code?
Area codes indicate the geographic origin of the phone number registration, but not necessarily where the caller physically is. With number portability, people can keep their area code when moving. VoIP services allow choosing any area code. A 212 (New York) number might belong to someone in California who moved but kept their number.