FAQs about US Zip Codes

A ZIP Code or postal code in the United States is a code assigned to a specific geographic delivery area by the United States Postal Service (USPS). USPS postal codes are referred to as a “Zone Improvement Plan” or ZIP Code for short. ZIP Codes help postal workers sort mail more efficiently.
There are over 41,000 active zip codes across the United States in use by the USPS to service all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and US territories. USPS can and does create new zip codes and also modify already existing zip codes as needed from time to time.
A typical 5-digit Zip Code, such as 10021, has the following value: the first digit indicates a group of States or areas on the map, the following 2 digits indicate a Sectional Center Facility (SCF) and the final 2 digits indicate a Post Office or zip code area where mail will be delivered. Some zip codes also have a ZIP+4 Code which further identifies a specific location. These Zip+4 codes have 4 additional digits following a hyphen. For example: 10021-0001.
ZIP+4 Codes. The USPS uses a ZIP+4 Code, which is an extension of the 5 digit Standard ZIP Code, generally written as ZIP Code + 4 digit extension. The ZIP Code represents a general geographic area, such as a city and state, and the 4 additional digits, denoted by a dash, represents a more specific geographic area such as a specific delivery route or building within a postal zone.
Use the USPS ZIP Code Lookup tool or another address search tool on the Internet. Simply enter the street address, city, and state to find the correct 5-digit ZIP Code for that location.
Yes. Many cities and towns have many ZIP Codes. Large cities like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Phoenix have dozens and dozens of ZIP Codes. Many of these ZIP Codes are used for specific neighborhoods, areas, and delivery routes, and for businesses and other establishments.