Understanding NPA-NXX
NPA-NXX refers to a system of telephone number formats used in the United States, Canada, and other parts of North America under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). Here’s how it breaks down:
- NPA (Numbering Plan Area): Also known as the area code, it consists of the first three digits of a North American phone number. The NPA designates a specific geographic region such as a city or part of a state.
- NXX (Central Office Code): The next three digits after the area code. It refers to a specific central office within the region defined by the NPA. This part of the number helps to further pinpoint the location and routing of the call within a larger area.
Example of NPA-NXX:
Consider the phone number (212) 555-1234:
- The "212" is the NPA and indicates that the phone number is located in New York City.
- The "555" is the NXX, identifying a specific central office within New York City.