Area codes in Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina uses 2 area codes — 843 and 854. The main Charleston area code is 843.
Area codes serving Charleston
Phone numbers in Charleston are written as ten digits — for example (843) 555-0190 — and fall in the Eastern Time zone.
How Charleston came to have 2 area codes
The original Charleston area code is 843, in service since 1998. As the area ran low on available numbers, an overlay code was added over the same region for new phone lines: 854 (2015). Existing numbers kept their original code — an overlay never forces anyone to change their number — which is why Charleston now uses all 2 codes and every local call is dialed with ten digits.
All South Carolina area codes · Is a Charleston call a scam?
Nearby cities
- Mount Pleasant area codes
- Summerville area codes
- Sumter area codes
- Hilton Head Island area codes
- Savannah area codes
- Columbia area codes
- Aiken area codes
- Statesboro area codes
More cities in South Carolina
Frequently asked questions
What is the area code for Charleston?
The main area code for Charleston, South Carolina is 843. Charleston is now served by 2 area codes in total: 843, 854.
How many area codes does Charleston have?
Charleston has 2 area codes: 843, 854.
Why does Charleston have more than one area code?
As Charleston used up the numbers available in its original area code (843, in service since 1998), additional "overlay" codes were added over the same area so new phone numbers could keep being assigned.
How do you dial a Charleston number?
Dial all 10 digits — the area code (843 or 854) followed by the 7-digit local number. From abroad, dial +1, then the area code and number.
Sourced from the official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) numbering database, current as of August 2, 2026. Refreshed monthly.