Area Codes Explained: How to Choose the Right Area Code for Your Phone Number

The first three digits of a phone number show up on every call you make. They hint at where you are and whether the call is local, and they can decide whether someone answers. Whether you're getting a second phone number for yourself or business numbers for a team, choosing the right area code matters.

This guide explains how area codes work, what newer codes like the 424, 323, 279 and 341 area codes mean, and how to get a number with the area code you want.

What is an area code?

An area code is the three-digit code at the start of a phone number in the US, Canada and several Caribbean countries.

They all share one numbering system, the North American Numbering Plan, and the country code +1. A full number has ten digits: the area code, a three-digit prefix and a four-digit line number, such as (415) 555-0198.

Types of area codes

Geographic area codes belong to a region, such as 213 for downtown Los Angeles or 510 for Oakland. These are what people mean by a "local number".

Overlay area codes are added when a region runs out of numbers. Instead of splitting the region, a second code covers the same area, and local calls there need all ten digits. Many recent California codes, including the four below, work this way.

Toll-free codes such as 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888 aren't tied to any place. The business pays for the call, and the number feels national rather than local.

Look-alike codes belong to Caribbean countries that share the +1 system. The FTC has warned about a "one-ring" scam using codes such as 268, 284, 473, 649, 664, 767, 809, 829, 849 and 876. Calling them back can cost international rates, so look up any unfamiliar code first.

424 area code

The 424 area code was added in 2006 as an overlay on 310. It covers the Westside and South Bay of Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice, Westwood, Manhattan Beach and Torrance. A 424 number is just as local there as a 310 one.

323 area code

The 323 area code was created from 213 in 1998 and has shared central Los Angeles with 213 as an overlay since 2017. It covers Hollywood, East Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Montebello and other central neighborhoods.

279 area code

The 279 area code started in 2018 as an overlay on 916, because Sacramento was running out of numbers. It serves the same area as 916: Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, Elk Grove and the surrounding metro. Existing 916 numbers didn't change, but many new Sacramento numbers now start with 279.

341 area code

The 341 area code was added in 2019 as an overlay on 510. It covers the East Bay, including Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward and Richmond. To callers in the East Bay, a 341 number is as local as a 510 one.

How to choose the right area code

1. Start with the people who'll call you. Pick the area code where your customers or contacts are, not where you sit. A team anywhere can use a 341 number if its customers are in Oakland.

2. Match each region you serve. If you work in both Los Angeles and Sacramento, a 323 or 424 number for LA and a 279 number for Sacramento gives each audience a familiar code.

3. Don't worry about overlay codes looking "new". A 279 number is as local in Sacramento as a 916 one, and the same is true of 424 and 310. Newer numbers in these regions often come with the overlay code anyway.

4. Choose a code you'll keep. People learn to recognize your number over time, so pick one you're happy with for years.

How to get a number with the area code you want

For yourself, with the Second Number app. Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. There's no account to create: pick a country, choose your number and start using unlimited calling and texting from your new line.

For your team, with Second Number for Teams. Create a free account at 2ndnumber.co and have your organization verified. Then add credit, open Numbers and search US and Canada numbers by area code, such as a 424, 323, 279 or 341 area code number, when available. Add them to the cart, buy them together and choose which agent each number rings. Frequently asked questions

Where is the 424 area code? West Los Angeles County, including Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice, Manhattan Beach and Torrance. It overlays 310.

Where is the 323 area code? Central Los Angeles, including Hollywood and East Los Angeles. It overlays 213.

What city is the 279 area code? Sacramento and its metro area, including Roseville, Folsom and Elk Grove. It overlays 916.

Where is the 341 area code? The East Bay, including Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont and Hayward. It overlays 510.

Get the area code you want

For yourself: download Second Number, pick a country and choose your number.

Download on the App Store · Get it on Google Play For your team: search business numbers by area code and assign each one in minutes.