# when giving a phone number, do you give the area code first or last? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [January 16, 2009, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659 "2009-01-16T21:25:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Sonnenstrahl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/82dd89/32.png) [@Sonnenstrahl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sonnenstrahl)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/21 "2009-01-17T00:06:28Z")
Area code first. I used to live in a place that switched to ten-digit dialing years ago, and I moved to a place that just made the switch last summer. They always gave me funny looks when I said the area code (the entire island is the same, it’s not like there was any question of it in most situations) but now I have the last laugh as I know how to properly dial a phone. ---
**Author:** ![thirdwarning](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ecccb3/32.png) [@thirdwarning](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdwarning)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/22 "2009-01-17T02:29:41Z")
I give the area code first unless I know the person asking is in the same area code as I am. And usually anyway if it’s the first contact with a business or something like that. ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/23 "2009-01-17T02:35:24Z")
Fill out any form online, either an order from a retailer or even shipping Fed Ex and they ask for the number in the (XXX) XXX-XXXX format. Anything else is just out of sorts. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_T](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Gary\_T](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_T)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/24 "2009-01-17T03:33:04Z")
I think it’s safe to say that when the area code is given last, it’s an afterthought. This happens when people have spent years - maybe decades - not normally needing to use the area code, but recently are in a situation where sometimes the area code needs to be specified and sometimes it doesn’t. The main number is given by itself out of habit and without thinking, and in the few seconds it takes to do that the need to give the area code comes to mind. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/25 "2009-01-17T03:33:39Z")
> [@Cluricaun](#): > > Fill out any form online, either an order from a retailer or even shipping Fed Ex and they ask for the number in the (XXX) XXX-XXXX format. Anything else is just out of sorts. Yes, what I was trying to say is that when it’s said that way, it’s because the area code is an afterthought. Not because that’s the “normal” way to give the number. ---
**Author:** ![Cluricaun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/bb73d2/32.png) [@Cluricaun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cluricaun)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/26 "2009-01-17T03:50:50Z")
That being confirmed, those who refuse to accept the format of phone THEN fax deserve to listen to fax lines beeping in their ears all day long. Who does fax then phone besides the most backwards of my clients? ---
**Author:** ![Clothahump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/27 "2009-01-17T03:53:32Z")
Area code, then number. That’s the way it’s dialed, that’s the way it’s read. ---
**Author:** ![mshar253](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/6de8d8/32.png) [@mshar253](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mshar253)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/28 "2009-01-17T04:02:48Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > I think that’s an afterthought. The giver outer expects the recipient to know the area code already, then thinks later that he better specify or confirm. I sometimes do that, but I’d say, “555-7934…uh, that’s in the 619 area.” I actually did that this week; I was trying to get someone a number quickly, so I just rattled off the important numbers and threw in the common area code at the end. That’s the only situation, in my opinion, where that could be considered normal in my area. > [@Audrey\_Levins](#): > > I usually only give out the area code if asked. It’s kind of assumed, unless I’m talking to my cell company. I see that you’re from San Antonio, TX. I was stationed at Fort Sam Houston for eight months a couple years ago, and the entire time I was there I thought it was strange that people didn’t use the area codes all the time. Like if I were using a hotel’s phone to order for pizza, I’d give them the phone number and the guy on the other end–a San Antonio native, presumably–almost seemed _annoyed_ that I’d start with the “210” or whatever it was. The whole time I was there, I couldn’t get used to giving only a 7 digit phone number. > [@Guinastasia](#): > > Area code first-around here, even if you’re calling next door, you have to dial the area code as well. Yeah, I’m from the other side of the state, and that’s pretty much how it goes. I haven’t had to, but if I were to give my next-door-neighbor my landline phone number, I’m sure I’d instinctively start by giving my area code. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/29 "2009-01-17T04:07:36Z")
Chalk me up with “never heard of it being done that way” and also as someone who always gives a full 10-digit number (there’s too many area codes around here to assume and, besides, my area code [312] does not reflect the area code the land lines in my area have [773]). ---
**Author:** ![SkyBlue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5ac83/32.png) [@SkyBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkyBlue)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/30 "2009-01-17T04:36:17Z")
Here in Australia we tend to give the area code first, if we know it’s necessary. Or someone will say (over the phone) what’s your phone no.? I give the no. then they may say ‘what’s the area code?’ It’s only necessary for national calls. ---
**Author:** ![Snnipe\_70E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/31 "2009-01-17T04:42:35Z")
If I am giving out my full number it is area code then number. If I am giving it to someone in town I may just give the 7 diget number. Which always get the “that’s 408 area code, right” ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Bean](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_bean/32/1760_2.png) [@Green\_Bean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Bean)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/32 "2009-01-17T05:13:39Z")
I don’t think I’ve ever heard it that way, and I’m in the same area. Then again, maybe I’ve never noticed. > [@What\_Exit](#): > > I always rattle off the area code followed by the number. I do it without even thinking, even when I am telling someone local. I occasionally hear a slight exasperation from some merchants who get told the 732 portion all day for no reason. I know what you mean. I started thinking of my phone number as 908-###-#### a long long time ago. I’m not going to bother to consider what area code I’m in and then _subtract_ the first three numbers. That’s way more effort all around, and more likely to cause errors. Especially around here. I live in that skinny strip of 908 that stretches across the state. I generally have no clue that I’ve wandered into 732 or 973 territory. Wait a minute–aren’t you in 732? I thought there was now a second area code in that region? Is that so? And you know what drives me nuts? My job is in the 908 area. On my work phone, you’re _not allowed_ to dial all 10 digits if you’re dialing within 908! You have to subtract the area code and dial the 7 digits. If you don’t, it rings some guy’s extension. I feel sorry for that guy. He must get accidental phone calls all day long. ---
**Author:** ![Canadjun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/33 "2009-01-17T16:48:33Z")
Since we’ve just recently switched to 10 digit dialling I’m slowly switching to reciting my phone number to local people as 780 555 1212 but still sometimes say just 555 1212 (needless to say that is not **really** my number). The changeover was recent enough that 780 is still a reasonable assumption if it isn’t mentioned. For people that are long distance from me I normally say “area code 780” 555 1212, but I suspect I’ll quit saying that as I get used to always reciting 10 digits. ---
**Author:** ![ivylass](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/9de053/32.png) [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/34 "2009-01-17T17:42:04Z")
In Orlando(ish) we HAVE to give the area code first. You must dial the area code and then the number, even when making local calls. So in the OP’s example, giving the phone number first and the area code last would mean you gave the wrong phone number, since the call wouldn’t go through. ---
**Author:** ![Campion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@Campion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Campion)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/35 "2009-01-17T19:20:37Z")
> [@Rigamarole](#): > > Here there are tons of area codes and so many people with cell phones from other area codes still that even locally you can’t assume anything, and I always give the 10 digit number. LA, right? Around here, you can’t assume you know someone’s area code based on where they live or work, because the lines are weird. I used to live on the edge of the 323, which is more of a westside area code, even though I was an eastsider, and the 626 began right across the street. And when I first got a cell phone, even though I lived in the 323 (across the street from the 626) and worked in the 213, they gave me an 818 number. And now I work in the 213 with people who live in the 310, the 805 and the 562 (and some even in the 949 and 909), as well as the 323, 626, and 818. And then there are the LA transplants who just can’t give up their old number… So if you don’t give your area code first, it’s kind of useless. ---
**Author:** ![Cisco](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/36 "2009-01-17T19:29:59Z")
I still have an out of state area code, even though I’ve lived in Phoenix for 6 years, I just never changed it. Whenever people ask me for my phone number I say 704 - - and they often groan, roll their eyes, and say _AREA CODE FIRST!_ So I say 704 - - ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2009, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/37 "2009-01-17T22:39:51Z")
> [@Cisco](#): > > I still have an out of state area code, even though I’ve lived in Phoenix for 6 years, I just never changed it. Whenever people ask me for my phone number I say 704 - - and they often groan, roll their eyes, and say _AREA CODE FIRST!_ So I say 704 - - I have a similar problem with my cellphone number. A typical cellphone in my area begins with 495 or 493, so when I say, “My cellphone is 347…”, I can count on a response like, “That’s your _cell_ number? It can’t be! You mean 495, don’t you?” It’s an interesting exercise in “natural logic” (I just made that up), since if for years, if all the cellphone numbers you ever heard began with 495 or 493, you will assume that they _all_ do. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/38 "2009-01-18T05:00:02Z")
> [@Musicat](#): > > But the times they are a-changing. Now if I’m talking to anyone who is not a born & bred local, I always give the entire 10 digit number, area code first. It may take longer, but it avoids ambiguity. Actually, I sort of look at it the other way. I’m a born-n-bred local and for 25 years everyone in a 3-city area had the same first 3 digits that were used only for these 3 towns. So 123- ALWAYS meant a 330 area code. Then we apparently ran out of 123- numbers and I got a 987- number when I moved. Same town as I was brought up in, it was just no longer the comfortable 123-. So, I make sure I give everyone the area code, whether or not they’re born-n-bred here, because _I_ am from here and _I_ still don’t consider 987- to be a real extension for this town. It’s just plain odd. (123- and 987- are fakies btw. Just used them to describe how very different the new and old sequences are) ---
**Author:** ![elfkin477](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/a9a28c/32.png) [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 7:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/39 "2009-01-18T07:44:21Z")
The only time people have given it last that I’ve heard is when it’s preceeded by a variation on the words “oh, um…it’s area code\_\_\_” because they forgot to give it at the beginning. ---
**Author:** ![Walloon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/fbc32d/32.png) [@Walloon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walloon)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2009, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659/40 "2009-01-18T08:13:59Z")
I always say, “Area Code 123, 456-7890”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-giving-a-phone-number-do-you-give-the-area-code-first-or-last/481659.md?page=3)