UK Phone Number Format: Examples & How They Work

Leana Rogers Salamah

-Dec 2, 2025

UK Phone Number Format: Examples & How They Work

Introduction

Understanding the structure of UK phone numbers can be confusing, especially with the various formats and codes. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of UK phone number formats, including area codes, mobile numbers, and special service numbers. We'll break down the structure, explain the different components, and provide examples to help you understand how they work. Whether you're calling from abroad or within the UK, this guide will ensure you correctly dial the number you need.

Breaking Down UK Phone Number Format

UK phone numbers typically consist of 10 or 11 digits, including a leading '0' for domestic calls. When calling from abroad, this '0' is dropped, and the international dialing code for the UK (+44) is used instead. A standard UK phone number can be broken down into several parts:

1. Area Code

Area codes in the UK are typically 2 to 5 digits long and identify the geographic location of the landline. For example, the area code for London is '020'. When calling within the UK, you must dial the area code, even if you're calling within the same city. However, if you are calling from overseas, you would dial +44 20, omitting the '0'.

2. Subscriber Number

The subscriber number follows the area code and is the unique identifier for the specific phone line. This part of the number is usually 6 to 8 digits long. For example, in the London number '020 7946 0043', '7946 0043' is the subscriber number.

3. Mobile Numbers

Mobile numbers in the UK always start with '07' followed by nine digits. These numbers are not tied to a specific geographic location, unlike landline numbers. Common prefixes include '077', '078', and '079'. When calling a UK mobile number from abroad, you would dial +44 7 followed by the remaining nine digits.

Different Types of UK Phone Numbers

1. Landline Numbers

Landline numbers are assigned to physical locations and start with a '0' followed by the area code. These numbers can be 10 or 11 digits long, depending on the area. — NC High School Football Scores: Get The Latest Updates

2. Mobile Numbers

As mentioned, mobile numbers start with '07' and are followed by nine digits. These numbers are used for mobile phones and do not correspond to a specific geographic location. — Bali Apartments For Rent: Your Ultimate Guide

3. Freephone Numbers

Freephone numbers in the UK start with '0800' or '0808'. Calls to these numbers are free from both landlines and mobile phones.

4. Premium Rate Numbers

Premium rate numbers start with '09' and are used for services such as competitions, information lines, and adult entertainment. Calls to these numbers are charged at a higher rate.

5. Shared Cost Numbers

Shared cost numbers start with '084' or '087'. The cost of calling these numbers is shared between the caller and the service provider. The exact cost can vary, so it's essential to check before making the call.

6. Local Rate Numbers

Local rate numbers start with '0845'. Calls to these numbers are charged at a local rate, similar to calling a landline within the same area.

Examples of UK Phone Numbers

To further illustrate UK phone number formats, here are some examples:

London Landline: 020 7946 0043
Manchester Landline: 0161 499 0147
Mobile Number: 07700 900061
Freephone Number: 0800 1111

In these examples, you can see the different components, including the area codes (020 for London, 0161 for Manchester), the mobile prefix (07700), and the freephone prefix (0800).

How to Dial UK Numbers from Abroad

When calling a UK number from abroad, you need to use the international dialing code for the UK (+44) and omit the leading '0'. For example, to call the London landline number '020 7946 0043' from abroad, you would dial '+44 20 7946 0043'.

The steps for dialing a UK number from abroad are:

Dial your country's exit code (usually '00' or '011').
Dial the UK's country code (+44).
Omit the leading '0' from the UK phone number.
Dial the remaining digits.

Common UK Area Codes

Here are some common UK area codes for major cities:

London: 020
Birmingham: 0121
Manchester: 0161
Leeds: 0113
Glasgow: 0141
Edinburgh: 0131
Liverpool: 0151
Bristol: 0117

Knowing these area codes can help you identify the geographic location of the caller or the area you are calling.

Understanding UK Mobile Number Prefixes

UK mobile numbers start with '07', and there are several common prefixes:

077: Commonly used by various mobile networks.
078: Also used by various mobile networks.
079: Another common prefix used by mobile networks.
074: Newer mobile numbers may start with this prefix.
075: Another newer prefix for mobile numbers.

The specific prefix doesn't usually indicate the network provider, as numbers can be ported between networks. However, knowing these prefixes can help you identify a number as a mobile number.

Special Service Numbers

The UK has several special service numbers that serve different purposes:

111: NHS non-emergency number for medical advice.
101: Non-emergency police number.
999: Emergency services (police, fire, ambulance).
112: European emergency number (can be used in the UK as well).

These numbers are free to call and should be used appropriately for their intended purposes.

Tips for Dialing UK Numbers Correctly

Here are some tips to ensure you dial UK numbers correctly:

When calling within the UK: Always include the area code, even if you're in the same city.
When calling from abroad: Use the international dialing code (+44) and omit the leading '0'.
Check the number: Double-check the number before dialing to avoid mistakes.
Be aware of the costs: Check the cost of calling premium rate or shared cost numbers before making the call.
Use a dialing app: Consider using a dialing app that automatically formats numbers correctly for international calls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Forgetting the area code: When calling within the UK, always include the area code.
Including the leading '0' when calling from abroad: Omit the '0' when using the international dialing code (+44).
Misunderstanding number types: Be aware of the costs associated with premium rate and shared cost numbers.
Dialing the wrong country code: Ensure you are using the correct country code (+44 for the UK).

Conclusion

Understanding UK phone number formats is essential for making successful calls, whether from within the UK or abroad. By breaking down the structure of UK numbers, differentiating between number types, and following the correct dialing procedures, you can avoid confusion and ensure your calls connect. Remember to use the correct international dialing code, omit the leading '0' when calling from abroad, and be mindful of the costs associated with different types of numbers.

FAQ Section

What is the UK country code?

The UK country code is +44. You need to use this code when calling a UK number from abroad.

How do I call a UK mobile number from abroad?

To call a UK mobile number from abroad, dial your country's exit code, followed by +44, then omit the leading '0' from the UK mobile number and dial the remaining nine digits.

What does the '0' in front of UK phone numbers mean?

The '0' is a trunk prefix used for domestic calls within the UK. When calling from abroad, you should omit this '0'.

What are premium rate numbers in the UK?

Premium rate numbers in the UK start with '09' and are used for services such as competitions, information lines, and adult entertainment. Calls to these numbers are charged at a higher rate. — Auburn Football Schedule: 2024 Season Guide

How do I call a freephone number in the UK?