216 Area Code
The 216 area code is one of the original North American Numbering Plan (NANP) codes, established in 1947. It serves the city of Cleveland, Ohio, and its immediate metropolitan area in the United States. Once covering much of northeastern Ohio, its service area has been reduced over time as demand for new numbers increased, leading to the creation of other nearby area codes such as 330 and 440. Today, 216 remains strongly tied to Cleveland and is recognized as a symbol of the city�s identity and culture.
Understanding the 216 Area Code
Area code 216 currently designates phone numbers located primarily in Cuyahoga County, focused on Cleveland and inner-ring suburbs. The format follows (216) NXX-XXXX, with NXX representing the central office exchange. Unlike some other major metropolitan areas, 216 does not have an overlay, so it remains a standalone code for Cleveland and surrounding neighborhoods.
216 Area Code Map and Geographic Location
The 216 area code map highlights Cleveland and several surrounding communities in Cuyahoga County. It covers downtown Cleveland, lakefront districts along Lake Erie, historic neighborhoods, and commercial and residential corridors. On interactive maps, the 216 code area corresponds closely to the Cleveland city limits and nearby suburbs.
All Major Neighborhoods and Areas in the 216 Area Code Region
The 216 area code serves Cleveland and adjacent suburban areas. Major neighborhoods and regions include:
- Downtown Cleveland: Playhouse Square, Warehouse District, Civic Center, Flats East Bank
- West Side: Ohio City, Tremont, Edgewater, West Boulevard
- East Side: University Circle, Little Italy, Glenville, Collinwood, Fairfax
- South Side: Old Brooklyn, Brooklyn Centre, Clark-Fulton
- Inner-Ring Suburbs: Lakewood, East Cleveland, Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights
ZIP Codes within the 216 Telephone Zone (Examples)
Representative ZIP codes covered by the 216 numbering plan include:
- 44102 - Detroit-Shoreway, Edgewater
- 44103 - Glenville, St. Clair-Superior
- 44104 - Kinsman, Fairfax
- 44105 - Broadway-Slavic Village
- 44106 - University Circle, Little Italy
- 44107 - Lakewood
- 44108 - Glenville, Forest Hills
- 44109 - Old Brooklyn, Brooklyn Centre
- 44110 - Collinwood
- 44113 - Ohio City, Tremont, Downtown
- 44114 - Downtown Cleveland, North Coast Harbor
- 44115 - Central, Campus District
- 44118 - Cleveland Heights
- 44120 - Shaker Heights, Buckeye-Shaker
Time Zone
The 216 area code lies within the Eastern Time Zone (ET). It observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) during the winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) when daylight saving time is in effect.
Dialing, Phone & Service Details
- Local dialing: 10-digit dialing is required for all calls.
- Long-distance (within NANP): Dial
1 + area code + number. - International calls: Dial your international exit code +
1(U.S. country code) +216+ 7-digit number (e.g.,+1 216 NXX XXXX). - Services: Active across landlines, mobile phones, VoIP, and enterprise PBX systems.
Why the 216 Area Code Matters
The 216 area code is strongly associated with Cleveland, a city known for its history, industry, cultural institutions, and sports legacy. It is deeply ingrained in the city�s identity, appearing in branding, merchandise, and local pride campaigns. Many businesses, residents, and organizations in Cleveland value keeping a 216 number because of its historic and cultural significance.
What area code is 216? / Where's area code 216?
What area code is 216? � 216 is a historic telephone code assigned to Cleveland, Ohio, and surrounding areas in Cuyahoga County.
Where's area code 216? � It covers the city of Cleveland and nearby suburbs in northeastern Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 216 Area Code
What is the 216 area code?
It is the original area code for Cleveland, Ohio, created in 1947 as part of the NANP.
Where is area code 216 located?
It covers Cleveland and nearby suburbs in Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
What time zone is 216 in?
Eastern Time (EST/EDT).
Is 216 used for cell phones or landlines?
Both. The 216 code applies to landlines, mobile phones, VoIP, and business services.
How do I call a 216 number from outside the U.S.?
Dial your international exit code, then +1 216 followed by the 7-digit number (e.g., +1 216 555 0199).
Does 216 have overlays?
No. Unlike some regions, 216 does not currently have an overlay area code.
