Massachusetts uses 9 active area codes serving residents and businesses across the state. Eastern Massachusetts operates with 8 area codes (339, 351, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978) while Western Massachusetts uses a single area code (413). Whether you’re identifying an unknown caller, setting up a business line, or verifying a phone number, this guide covers every area code with regional coverage and recent updates.
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Complete List of Massachusetts Area Codes
Massachusetts currently uses 9 active area codes assigned by the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). The state divides into two distinct regions based on telecommunications coverage.
All 9 Area Codes:
339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978
Regional Division:
- Eastern: 339, 351, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, 978
- Western: 413
Based on the latest NANPA and Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities updates for 2025.
Eastern Massachusetts Area Codes
Eastern Massachusetts operates with 8 area codes organized into four overlay complexes. The region includes Boston, Cambridge, Worcester, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and all northeastern communities.
Boston Area Codes (617, 857)
617 is Boston’s original area code, introduced in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan launched nationwide. Today, both Boston and Cambridge use two codes: 617 and its overlay partner 857.
Code 617 carries historical significance as one of Massachusetts’ first telephone area codes. Many businesses and residents consider it prestigious due to its long-standing association with Boston. When 617 numbers approached exhaustion, telecommunications authorities introduced 857 as an overlay in 2001. Both codes now serve the same geographic region, including Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, and surrounding communities.
Coverage: Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Quincy, Revere, Chelsea, Somerville, Watertown
Greater Boston Region (339, 781)
The Greater Boston suburbs operate under area codes 781 and 339. Code 781 was created in 1997 when the original 617 region split to accommodate growth in surrounding communities. Later, 339 was added as an overlay to 781 in 2001.
This region includes communities north, south, and west of Boston proper. The codes serve densely populated suburbs with significant business and residential telephone demand.
Coverage: Waltham, Newton, Wellesley, Framingham, Needham, Lexington, Arlington, Medford, Malden, Melrose, Woburn
Central and Southeastern Massachusetts (508, 774)
Area codes 508 and 774 serve central and southeastern Massachusetts, including Worcester (the state’s second-largest city), Cape Cod, the islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket, and southeastern communities.
Code 508 was established in 1988 when this state split its telephone regions to handle growing demand. As this area expanded, 774 was introduced as an overlay in 2001. Today, both codes serve the same geographic footprint.
Coverage: Worcester, Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, New Bedford, Fall River, Plymouth, Barnstable
Northern Massachusetts (351, 978)
Northern operates under area codes 978 and 351. Code 978 was created in 1997 through a geographic split from the original 508 region. Later, 351 was added as an overlay in 2001.
This region serves communities along the New Hampshire border and the Merrimack Valley, including several mid-sized cities with industrial heritage.
Coverage: Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill, Fitchburg, Leominster, Gloucester, Salem, Peabody, Beverly
Western Massachusetts Area Code (413)
Western Massachusetts operates with a single area code: 413. This region has never required an overlay or additional codes, making it unique among telecommunications areas.
Code 413 was established in 1947 as part of the original numbering plan and continues serving the entire western portion of the state. The region includes the Pioneer Valley, Berkshires, and all communities west of Worcester County.
Unlike Eastern Massachusetts, which required multiple overlays due to population density and business growth, Western Massachusetts maintains sufficient telephone number capacity with one code. This means residents in this region never needed to transition to 10-digit dialing for the same reason as eastern communities (though 10-digit dialing is now mandatory statewide for other reasons).
Coverage: Springfield, Pittsfield, Northampton, Amherst, Holyoke, Westfield, Greenfield, Great Barrington
Cape Cod and The Islands Coverage
Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket operate under area codes 508 and 774. These vacation destinations and year-round residential communities share telephone codes with Worcester and southeastern Massachusetts.
The islands maintain a strong telecommunications infrastructure despite their coastal location. Submarine cables connect Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket to mainland telephone networks, ensuring reliable service year-round.
Seasonal population fluctuations on Cape Cod and the islands create unique telecommunications demands. Summer populations can triple, but the overlay system provides a sufficient number of availability for both permanent residents and seasonal businesses.
Understanding Overlay Codes in Massachusetts
An overlay occurs when telecommunications authorities assign multiple area codes to the same geographic region. This State uses overlays throughout Eastern Massachusetts to prevent number exhaustion without disrupting existing phone numbers.
When a region approaches number exhaustion (typically 75% of available numbers assigned), regulators introduce relief through either geographic splits or overlays. Massachusetts historically used splits (dividing regions into separate zones) but switched to overlays in 2001 because they don’t require customers to change existing numbers.
Overlay Pairs:
- 617 overlays with 857 (Boston/Cambridge)
- 781 overlays with 339 (Greater Boston suburbs)
- 508 overlays with 774 (Central/Southeastern MA)
- 978 overlays with 351 (Northern MA)
Result: All residents must use 10-digit dialing for every call, even local calls within the same area code.
When to Use Which Boston Area Code
If you’re obtaining a new phone number in Boston or Cambridge, you’ll likely receive either 617 or 857. Both codes serve identical geographic regions and function interchangeably for telecommunications purposes.
Many Boston businesses prefer 617 numbers because of historical association and brand recognition. However, 857 numbers work identically for all calling purposes. Some companies even prefer 857 to appear more modern or to differentiate themselves from established competitors using 617.
For personal use, the code doesn’t matter functionally. For business use, consider your target audience and brand positioning when choosing between available options.
Massachusetts Area Code History (1947 to Present)
This state received its first area codes in 1947 when the North American Numbering Plan organized telephone service across the United States and Canada.
Original 1947 Assignment:
- 617 for Eastern Massachusetts
- 413 for Western Massachusetts
This simple two-code system served the state for decades. As population grew and telecommunications expanded, additional codes became necessary.
Evolution Timeline:
- 1988: 508 splits from 617 (central/southeastern region)
- 1997: 781 splits from 617 (inner suburbs), 978 splits from 508 (northern region)
- 2001: Four overlay codes introduced simultaneously (339, 351, 774, 857)
No new area codes have been added since 2001, though regulators continue monitoring number availability for future planning.
How to Dial in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, including local calls within the same area code.
Local calls:
Dial (area code) + (7-digit number)
Example: 617-555-0123
Long distance within North America:
Dial 1 + (area code) + (7-digit number)
International calls:
Dial +1 + (area code) + (7-digit number)
Example: +1-617-555-0123
The Federal Communications Commission mandated 10-digit dialing in Massachusetts and nationwide to accommodate the 988 suicide prevention hotline. This requirement applies to all calls from landlines, mobile phones, and VoIP services.
Area Code Scam Awareness
Scam calls using Massachusetts area codes, particularly 617 and 857, have increased significantly. Criminals spoof local Boston numbers because residents are more likely to answer calls appearing to originate locally.
Common scam patterns:
- Fake IRS calls claiming tax issues
- Utility company impersonators threatening service disconnection
- Tech support scams using Cambridge area codes (617, 857)
- Student loan forgiveness scams targeting Boston-area college students
Protection strategies:
- Verify unfamiliar calls independently before responding
- Never share personal information through unsolicited calls
- Enable carrier spam protection services
- Report suspicious calls to the FTC and the Massachusetts Attorney General
The Massachusetts Attorney General’s office maintains resources for reporting and identifying scam calls specific to the state.
Common Questions
Q: What is Boston's area code?
Boston uses two area codes: 617 and 857. Both serve the same geographic region and work identically.
Q: How many area codes does Massachusetts have?
Massachusetts has 9 active area codes: 339, 351, 413, 508, 617, 774, 781, 857, and 978.
Q: Why does Eastern Massachusetts have 8 codes but Western Massachusetts only 1?
Eastern Massachusetts has much higher population density and business activity, creating greater demand for phone numbers. Western Massachusetts maintains sufficient capacity with one code (413).
Q: Do I need to dial the area code for local calls in Massachusetts?
Yes. Massachusetts requires 10-digit dialing for all calls, even local calls within the same area code.
Q: What's the newest Massachusetts area code?
The newest codes (339, 351, 774, 857) were all introduced simultaneously in 2001 as overlays. No new codes have been added since then.
Q: Do Cape Cod and the islands have their own area codes?
No. Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket use the same codes as central and southeastern Massachusetts: 508 and 774.
Quick Reference Table
| Area Code | Region | Overlay | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 413 | Western MA | None | 1947 |
| 508 | Central/SE MA | 774 | 1988 |
| 617 | Boston/Cambridge | 857 | 1947 |
| 781 | Greater Boston | 339 | 1997 |
| 857 | Boston/Cambridge | 617 | 2001 |
| 978 | Northern MA | 351 | 1997 |
| 339 | Greater Boston | 781 | 2001 |
| 351 | Northern MA | 978 | 2001 |
| 774 | Central/SE MA | 508 | 2001 |