Frequently Asked Questions
Dayton, Ohio is primarily served by area codes 937 and 326. Area code 937 was the original area code for the region, while 326 was added as an overlay in 2020 to accommodate the growing demand for phone numbers.
Dayton has two area codes, 937 and 326, due to increased demand for phone numbers. The 326 overlay was added in 2020 to provide more numbers without requiring existing 937 users to change their numbers. This ensures continued growth and connectivity in the region.
To dial a 937 number from a different area code, dial 1 + the 10-digit number (1-937-XXX-XXXX). Ten-digit dialing is required for all calls, even within the same area code.
Area code 326 is an overlay for area code 937 in southwestern Ohio. It was introduced in 2020 to provide additional phone numbers within the same geographic region as 937 without requiring existing users to change their numbers.
You should always use 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) for all calls in southwestern Ohio, even for local calls within the same area code. This became mandatory in February 2020 with the introduction of the 326 overlay.
Area code 937, along with its overlay 326, covers southwestern Ohio, including cities like Dayton, Springfield, Beavercreek, and Kettering. A full list of covered cities and communities is available on the Ohio Public Utilities Commission website.
To update your contacts for 10-digit dialing, ensure every contact includes the full area code and 7-digit number (e.g., 937-XXX-XXXX or 326-XXX-XXXX). This ensures seamless dialing with the mandatory 10-digit dialing requirement in the region.
No, you can no longer dial 7-digit numbers locally in Dayton, Ohio. With the implementation of the 326 area code overlay, 10-digit dialing (including the area code) is mandatory for all calls, even local ones.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulates telecommunications services in Ohio. They oversee number assignments, service quality, and the implementation of new area codes like 326. Contact them directly for regulatory information or service issues.
To get a new phone number in area code 937 or 326, contact a telecommunications provider operating in southwestern Ohio, such as AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. Availability fluctuates, so contacting a provider directly is the best way to check and explore service options.
Area code 937 was created on September 28, 1996, as a split from the existing 513 area code. This split was necessary to accommodate the increasing demand for phone numbers in southwestern Ohio driven by population growth and technological advancements.
Area code 937 spells "YES" on a standard telephone keypad. This fact was used in early promotional materials when the area code was first introduced.
Area Code 937: Coverage, Cities, and Key Information
Where is area code 937? Area codes 937 and 326 serve Dayton, Springfield, and southwestern Ohio, covering over 800,000 residents across Montgomery, Greene, Clark, and Miami counties in the Eastern Time Zone. This comprehensive guide explains coverage areas, cities served, 10-digit dialing requirements, number availability, and how to get a local 937 phone number.
You'll find this guide useful if you:
What City Is 937 Area Code? Location & Coverage
Quick Answer: Area code 937 is located in southwestern Ohio, primarily serving Dayton (the largest city), Springfield, Kettering, Beavercreek, and surrounding communities in Montgomery, Greene, Clark, and Miami counties.
Area codes 937 and 326 cover southwestern Ohio, including urban centers and rural communities. The region operates in the Eastern Time Zone (ET): UTC-5 (standard time) and UTC-4 (daylight saving time).
Population Overview (2020 Census):
The 937/326 service area covers approximately 800,000 residents across multiple counties:
Major Cities in Area Code 937:
Counties Served by 937/326 Area Codes: The 937/326 area codes serve numerous counties in southwestern Ohio, including:
Verify Your Area Code:
Check whether a specific address falls within the 937/326 service area:
Find a comprehensive list of cities and communities on the Ohio Public Utilities Commission website.
937 Area Code Time Zone
What time zone is area code 937? All phone numbers with area code 937 or 326 operate in the Eastern Time Zone (ET):
When calling 937 numbers from other time zones, remember that Dayton and southwestern Ohio observe daylight saving time and follow the same schedule as New York City, Atlanta, and other Eastern Time Zone cities.
History and Evolution of Area Code 937
Area code 937 split from area code 513 on September 28, 1996, in response to growing demand for phone numbers in southwestern Ohio. The Dayton region and surrounding areas received 937, while Cincinnati retained 513.
Key Milestones:
Fun fact: The digits "937" spell "YES" on a telephone keypad – a detail used in early promotional materials. Similarly, "326" spells "DAO" (Dayton, Ohio).
How to Dial 937 Area Code Numbers
Use the correct dialing format to ensure your calls connect successfully:
Local Calls (within 937/326 area): Always use 10-digit dialing (NPA-NXX-XXXX), even within the same area code. Mandatory since February 8, 2020.
Long Distance (within US): Dial 1 + 10-digit number (1-NPA-NXX-XXXX)
Operator Assisted: Dial 0 + 10-digit number (0-NPA-NXX-XXXX)
International TO 937/326: Country's international prefix + 1 (US country code) + area code + 7-digit number
International FROM 937/326: 011 (US international prefix) + country code + local number
Format explanation: NPA = area code (937 or 326), NXX = central office code, XXXX = subscriber number
Troubleshooting Common Dialing Issues:
How to Get a 937 or 326 Phone Number
Get a new 937 or 326 number by contacting telecommunications providers operating in the region. Major carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) manage assignments based on demand and PUCO guidelines. Contact your preferred provider to check current availability.
Get a New 937 Phone Number:
Port Your Existing Number:
Under FCC regulations, keep your number when switching providers:
Special Number Types:
Telecommunications Regulations and Oversight
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) regulates telecommunications services in area codes 937 and 326, ensuring service quality, managing number assignments, and overseeing area code implementation.
Consumer Rights and Protections:
File a Complaint:
Can't resolve an issue with your provider? Follow these steps:
The PUCO coordinated the 326 area code overlay with carriers and emergency services to ensure a smooth transition.
Best Practices and Considerations
Essential Checklist:
Your Rights:
Frequently Asked Questions About 937 Area Code
Common questions about area codes 937 and 326:
What city is 937 area code? Area code 937 primarily serves Dayton, Ohio, along with Springfield, Kettering, Beavercreek, Xenia, Troy, Piqua, and surrounding cities in southwestern Ohio across Montgomery, Greene, Clark, and Miami counties.
Where is area code 937 located? Area code 937 is located in southwestern Ohio, covering the Dayton metropolitan area and surrounding counties. It serves approximately 800,000 residents in the Eastern Time Zone.
What time zone is 937 area code? Eastern Time Zone (ET): UTC-5 (standard time) and UTC-4 (daylight saving time). Area code 937 follows the same time as New York City and Atlanta.
Why was area code 326 introduced? The 326 overlay addressed the dwindling supply of 937 numbers, ensuring continued growth and connectivity without requiring existing 937 customers to change their numbers.
Do I need to change my existing 937 number? No. Existing 937 numbers remain unchanged. The 326 overlay only affects new number assignments.
What if I dial a 7-digit number locally? Your call won't connect. You'll hear a message to redial with the 10-digit format (area code + 7-digit number).
Are there special dialing instructions for emergency services? No. Dial 911 as usual. Other three-digit numbers (211, 311) also work normally.
When did 10-digit dialing become mandatory in 937? February 8, 2020, with the 326 overlay introduction. All calls require the full 10-digit number.
Can I get a 937 number, or only 326? Both remain available. Your provider assigns whichever has availability at the time of your request.
Can I use a 937/326 number with VoIP? Yes. VoIP providers offer virtual 937/326 numbers with advanced features (call forwarding, voicemail transcription, mobile apps).
How long does number porting take? Simple ports: one business day. Wireless-to-wireless: 2.5 hours. Wireline-to-wireless: several days.
Will caller ID display correctly after the overlay? Yes. Caller ID shows the full 10-digit number (937 or 326). Update your phone system to display 10 digits.
How do I protect against spam and robocalls from 937 numbers? Register at the National Do Not Call Registry, enable carrier spam filtering, use call-blocking apps, and avoid answering suspicious calls.
Do I need a local 937/326 number for my business in Dayton? Local area codes increase answer rates and establish local presence. Studies show 23% higher answer rates than toll-free numbers for local businesses.
Related Resources
Other Ohio Area Codes
North American Area Codes
Telecommunications Guides
Official Resources
Conclusion
Area codes 937 and 326 serve over 800,000 residents across Dayton, Springfield, and southwestern Ohio's telecommunications infrastructure.
Key Takeaways:
Next Steps: