The Steel City, Pittsburgh sits where three rivers meet in western Pennsylvania and is famous for its 446 bridges and reinvention as a tech and medical hub. It is anchored by the iconic 412 area code, now joined by an overlay. This guide breaks down Pittsburgh’s 412 and 878 codes, the required 10-digit dialing, major ZIP codes, and the scam calls that frequently target the area.
Pittsburgh Area Codes at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code(s) | 412 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 878 |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Major County | Allegheny County |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Area Code Breakdown & District Mapping
412 – Pittsburgh’s Original Code
Area code 412 is one of the original 1947 codes and is deeply tied to Pittsburgh’s identity — “412” is a local badge of pride. It covers the city and most of Allegheny County.
878 – Western PA Overlay
Area code 878 is the 2001 overlay for the 412 region (and the surrounding 724 area), sharing the same western-Pennsylvania geography. Newer Pittsburgh lines may carry an 878 prefix, fully local to existing 412 numbers.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Pittsburgh’s 412 code covers a city of hills and rivers. Downtown — the “Golden Triangle” where the Allegheny and Monongahela form the Ohio — anchors the business core, while the neighboring Strip District draws crowds to its markets and eateries. Across the river, the North Shore holds the Steelers’ and Pirates’ stadiums.
The same 412/878 codes reach the university district of Oakland, the leafy streets of Shadyside and Squirrel Hill, the revitalized Lawrenceville and East Liberty, and the historic South Side along the Monongahela. Perched above it all, Mount Washington offers the city’s famous skyline views — all connected under the same area codes.
Local Dialing Rules & International Format
Pittsburgh and the 412 region have required 10-digit dialing since the 878 overlay launched — always dial the area code plus the 7-digit number. The surrounding western-Pennsylvania suburbs use area code 724, also overlaid by 878.
To call Pittsburgh from outside the United States, dial your country’s exit code, then the U.S. country code +1, followed by the 10-digit number (for example, +1 412 XXX-XXXX). From inside the U.S. and Canada, simply dial 1 before the 10-digit number for long-distance calls.
Major ZIP Codes Covered
The 412 service area spans many of Pittsburgh’s core ZIP codes, including 15201, 15203, 15206, 15213, 15217, 15219, 15222, and 15232.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh residents report neighbor-spoofing robocalls faking a local 412 prefix, plus fake utility-shutoff threats from callers posing as Duquesne Light. Auto-warranty and Medicare scams are also widespread across Allegheny County.
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls that mimic a local 412 prefix to look familiar. |
| Utility / Toll Scams | Threats to shut off power or demand toll payment via gift cards. |
| IRS / Government | Robocalls claiming legal action — agencies never call to demand instant payment. |
Red flag: Any caller who pressures you to pay immediately with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency is almost certainly running a scam. Hang up and verify through an official number.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State for every code across the country.
Nearby & Related Pennsylvania Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Pittsburgh, PA?
Pittsburgh’s primary area code is 412, with 878 as its overlay across western Pennsylvania.
Is 878 a real Pittsburgh area code?
Yes. 878 is the FCC-approved overlay covering the 412 and 724 regions of western Pennsylvania, including Pittsburgh.
Do I need to dial 10 digits in Pittsburgh?
Yes. With the 878 overlay active, all local calls in the 412 region require 10-digit dialing.
What time zone is Pittsburgh in?
Pittsburgh observes Eastern Time (EST/EDT), the same as the rest of Pennsylvania.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.