Area codes in Houston, Texas

Houston, Texas uses 4 area codes — 713, 281, 832 and 346. The main Houston area code is 713.

Area codes serving Houston

Phone numbers in Houston are written as ten digits — for example (713) 555-0190 — and fall in the Central Time zone.

How Houston came to have 4 area codes

The original Houston area code is 713, in service since 1947. As the area ran low on available numbers, overlay codes were added over the same region for new phone lines: 281 (1996), 832 (1999) and 346 (2014). Existing numbers kept their original code — an overlay never forces anyone to change their number — which is why Houston now uses all 4 codes and every local call is dialed with ten digits.

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Nearby cities

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Frequently asked questions

What is the area code for Houston?

The main area code for Houston, Texas is 713. Houston is now served by 4 area codes in total: 713, 281, 832, 346.

How many area codes does Houston have?

Houston has 4 area codes: 713, 281, 832, 346.

Why does Houston have more than one area code?

As Houston used up the numbers available in its original area code (713, in service since 1947), additional "overlay" codes were added over the same area so new phone numbers could keep being assigned.

How do you dial a Houston number?

Dial all 10 digits — the area code (713 or 281 or 832 or 346) 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.