Area code
316
316 is a United States area code. Under the North American Numbering Plan it belongs to Kansas, which has 4 area codes in total.
Validate a number in 316
Paste a full number and the tool checks it against the numbering plan. It returns the standard formats, the line type the plan assigns and the area code region.
Digits with or without punctuation work. Numbers outside the US are read with the +country code.
Area code 316 at a glance
NANPA lists 338 central office codes (prefixes) in use in area code 316, held by 39 holders across 14 rate centers.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| In service since | 1947-01-01 |
| Time zone | Central (C) |
| Prefixes in use | 338 |
| Pooled prefixes | 261 (77%) |
| Rate centers | 14 |
| Companies holding prefixes | 39 |
| Assignment dates on file | 2001-03-05 to 2025-12-22 (123 prefixes) |
| ZIP codes in its places | 44 |
Rate centers in area code 316
The largest rate center is WICHITA, with 239 prefixes (71%).
| Rate center | Prefixes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| WICHITA | 239 | 71% |
| NEWTON | 18 | 5% |
| EL DORADO | 17 | 5% |
| GODDARD | 11 | 3% |
| WHITEWATER | 9 | 3% |
| TOWANDA | 8 | 2% |
| ANDALE | 6 | 2% |
| CHENEY | 5 | 1% |
| 6 other rate centers | 25 | 7% |
Who holds the prefixes in 316
Southwestern Bell holds the most prefixes, 114 (34%). 77% of the prefixes are pooled, which means their thousands-blocks can belong to different companies.
| Holder | Prefixes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Bell | 114 | 34% |
| New Cingular Wireless PCS | 35 | 10% |
| T-Mobile USA | 29 | 9% |
| Level 3 Communications | 28 | 8% |
| Onvoy | 20 | 6% |
| Paetec Itel | 18 | 5% |
| 33 other carriers | 94 | 28% |
A prefix holder is the company a code was assigned to, not necessarily a number's current carrier, because numbers can be ported to another company. Find which carrier a number is on, or browse the prefix holders.
History of area code 316
- 1947-01-01 Area code 316 went into service.
- 2001-02-03 Area code 620 went into service and names 316 as its parent.
Area codes nearest to 316
Distance is measured between the centers of the ZIP code places each area code serves, so it is a rough guide.
ZIP codes in area code 316
44 ZIP codes fall in places that have a rate center in this area code.
| Place | ZIP codes |
|---|---|
| Wichita, KS | 32 |
| Andale, KS | 1 |
| Benton, KS | 1 |
A ZIP code and an area code are unrelated systems. A ZIP code can sit in more than one area code, and an area code spans many ZIP codes.
Complaints on file for 316 numbers
1,627 FCC complaints are on file for 1,406 numbers in 316, most often filed as "Unwanted Calls". These are unverified consumer reports.
| Year of latest complaint | Numbers |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 128 |
| 2024 | 154 |
| 2025 | 123 |
Other area codes in Kansas
Kansas is one state with 4 area codes in the NANPA table. 316 is one of them.
Next to 316 in the numbering table
These are the codes just before and after 316 when all are sorted by number. They are neighbours on the list, not necessarily on the map.
What the area code does and does not tell you
A number that starts with 316 was first assigned in Kansas. That is a fact about where the number began, and it is a useful hint when you check a form entry, for example a billing address in Kansas next to a 316 phone number.
It does not show where the person is today. A number stays with its owner after a move or a change of provider (number portability), and mobile numbers travel with the handset. The area code also cannot tell you whether the line is active, who the carrier is, or whether the number is mobile or fixed: the plan shares those ranges. Read more about the area code, the numbering plan and line type.
Check numbers in bulk with the API
| Product | Credits | Docs |
|---|---|---|
| Phone Numbering-Plan Validation | 1 credit per valid number | API docs |
| Phone Intelligence (carrier and line status) | 1 credit per check (invalid numbers outside the US and Canada are free) | Product page |
Questions about area code 316
Where is area code 316?
NANPA assigns area code 316 to Kansas, United States.
In which state does area code 316 sit?
Kansas. 316 is one of 4 area codes the NANPA table assigns to the state.
Which places does area code 316 cover?
The places with the most ZIP codes among the rate centers in 316 are Wichita, KS, Andale, KS and Benton, KS. The rate center list on this page shows all of them.
Who owns area code 316?
NANPA assigns area codes. Within 316, Southwestern Bell holds the most prefixes, 114 prefixes or 34%.
Which time zone does 316 use?
The NANPA NPA report lists the time zone for 316 as Central (C).
What year did 316 enter service?
The NANPA NPA report gives an in-service date of 1947-01-01, so 316 has been in use since 1947.
Does area code 316 have an overlay?
The NANPA NPA report lists no other area code in an overlay with 316.
Which area codes are nearest to 316?
The area codes closest to 316, measured between the centers of the ZIP code places they serve, are 620 (about 20 miles), 785 (about 104 miles), 539 (about 150 miles), 918 (about 152 miles) and 913 (about 157 miles).
How many prefixes does area code 316 have?
NANPA's report dated 2026-10-17 lists 338 prefixes in service in 316, spread over 14 rate centers and 39 holders.
Are there complaints about 316 numbers?
The FCC data on file has 1,627 complaints for 1,406 numbers in 316. They are unverified consumer reports. A number with no complaints on file is not proven safe.
Area code assignments: North American Numbering Plan Administrator NPA report, file dated 10/17/2026, retrieved 2026-10-17. Source file. New codes are assigned several times a year. Prefixes, rate centers, holders, time zone, in-service date and overlays: NANPA central office code report dated 2026-10-17 and NPA report dated 2026-10-18. Complaints: FCC consumer complaints open data, fetched 2026-10-17. ZIP code places: Postal code places and coordinates: GeoNames (geonames.org), licensed CC BY 4.0.