Area Code Guides
In-depth reference articles about North American area codes — history, geography, how splits and overlays work, and more.
Area Code 613: Ottawa, Eastern Ontario, and Canada's Capital Region
Area code 613 covers Ottawa and eastern Ontario, serving Canada's capital city and the surrounding region. Here's the history and geography of this important Canadian code.
How to Spot Phone Scams Using Area Codes
Scammers use specific area codes to trick victims into making expensive calls or answering fraudulent claims. Here's what to watch for and how to protect yourself.
Area Code 415: San Francisco Before and After the Split
Area code 415 once served the entire Bay Area. Today it covers just San Francisco. Here's the story of how Silicon Valley's growth transformed the Bay Area's area code map.
The Future of Area Codes: Will We Ever Run Out?
The NANP has over 800 area codes and can theoretically support hundreds more. But number exhaustion is real and ongoing. Here's what the future of area codes looks like.
How Area Codes Were Originally Assigned in 1947
The original area code assignments were a masterpiece of engineering logic. AT&T's system tied dial speed to population density in a way that optimized rotary phones across the continent.
Non-Geographic Area Codes: 800, 888, 900, and Beyond
Not all area codes correspond to a geographic region. Toll-free numbers, premium-rate numbers, and special service codes each have their own dedicated ranges.
Area Code 604: Vancouver and British Columbia's Phone History
Area code 604 has served Vancouver and British Columbia since 1947. As Metro Vancouver became one of Canada's largest cities, it required several new codes to keep up.
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands: Area Codes of US Territories
Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands are US territories with their own dedicated area codes. Here's what you need to know about calling 787, 939, and 340.
555: Why Hollywood Uses Fake Phone Numbers
Every movie and TV show uses 555 numbers to avoid accidentally broadcasting real people's phone numbers. The story behind this convention is more interesting than you might think.
Area Code 303: Colorado's Original Number and Denver's Growth
Area code 303 has been Colorado's defining number since 1947. As Denver has grown into a major metro, the original code has been supplemented but never replaced.
Area Code 305: Miami and the Story of South Florida
Area code 305 is one of the most culturally significant numbers in America. It's synonymous with Miami, but it once covered all of Florida. Here's its full history.
Why Texas Has More Area Codes Than Any Other State
Texas is home to more active area codes than any other US state. Its combination of enormous size, fast-growing cities, and booming economy tells the whole story.