North Carolina Area Codes

About North Carolina Area Codes

North Carolina has 8 active area codes. That might seem like a lot, but it makes sense when you think about it - the more people living in a state, the more phone numbers are needed. Each area code can only handle so many phone numbers before it runs out.

The first area code in North Carolina was created back in 1947. That was when the phone company was setting up the area code system across the whole country. At that time, one or two area codes was usually enough for most states. But as the population grew and everyone started carrying cell phones, more area codes were needed.

All the area codes in North Carolina are in the same time zone: Eastern Time (ET). That makes things easier - you don't have to worry about time differences when calling different parts of the state.

How Area Codes Work in North Carolina

Different area codes in North Carolina cover different parts of the state. Usually, big cities and their surrounding areas get their own area codes because lots of people live there and they need lots of phone numbers. Smaller cities might share an area code that covers a larger geographic area.

Sometimes when a region runs out of available phone numbers, they add a new area code. They can do this in two ways: either split the region into two parts (so some people have to change their numbers), or add a new code that covers the same area (so new phone numbers get the new code, but existing numbers don't change).

What You Should Know

Just because someone has a North Carolina area code doesn't mean they're actually in North Carolina right now. People can keep their phone numbers when they move to different states. Your cousin who moved from North Carolina to another state probably still has their old North Carolina number.

If you need to dial an area code for local calls depends on where you are in North Carolina. Some areas require you to dial all 10 digits (area code + number) even for local calls. Other areas let you just dial the 7-digit number for local calls. When in doubt, dial all 10 digits - it always works.

Watch Out for Scams

Scammers can make their calls show any area code they want, including North Carolina area codes. So don't automatically trust a call just because it looks like it's from North Carolina. If someone calls asking for money, personal information, or saying you've won something, be very careful - even if it shows a local area code.

Common Questions

Why does North Carolina need 8 area codes?

Each area code can only provide about 7-8 million phone numbers. With everyone having cell phones, plus all the fax lines, business lines, and other services that need numbers, states with large populations need multiple area codes. North Carolina has enough people and devices that 8 area codes are needed to provide enough phone numbers for everyone.

Can I choose which North Carolina area code I get?

Sometimes, yes. When you get a new phone number, your carrier might let you pick from the area codes available in your area. But it depends on what area codes serve your location and whether they have numbers available. If you want a specific area code, ask your phone company when you're setting up service.

Do I have to change my number if they add a new area code?

It depends on how they add the new code. If they do a "split" (dividing the area into two parts), some people might have to change numbers. But if they do an "overlay" (adding a new code over the same area), you keep your existing number. Overlays are more common now because nobody likes having to change their number.

How do I report spam calls from North Carolina numbers?

You can report unwanted calls to the Federal Trade Commission at donotcall.gov or ftc.gov. You should also register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry. And check if your phone carrier has spam-blocking services - many do, and they can help filter out a lot of junk calls.

North Carolina Area Code Map

All Area Codes