Formatting telephone numbers in text

Last Updated : Nov 30, 2022 |

The following rules apply to the format of both fictitious numbers in examples and real numbers in text. Real numbers include the telephone numbers for support hotlines, training centers, and other useful numbers.

Important:

Most toll-free numbers serve only the country in which the numbers originate. When you include a toll-free number, ensure that your readers know where the number works.

Telephone numbers for U.S. and Canadian locations

For U.S. and Canadian telephone numbers, use parentheses, not a hyphen, to separate the area code from the seven-digit phone number. For example, (123) 555–0197.

The country code for the United States and Canada is 1. Unless you are certain that a document will not be translated or distributed for use in another country, include the country code for the United States and Canada. Always include the country code when a telephone number is part of a list of numbers that includes both domestic and international numbers. For example, 1 (23) 555-0197

International telephone numbers

Use a space instead of a hyphen to separate the elements of international telephone numbers. For example, 44 (171) 555 0197

Place the area code within parentheses, unless the number is a toll-free number. For example, 0800 555 131