978 area code — Lowell, MA geographic

Data: NANPA public reports, current as of July 28, 2026.

The 978 area code covers Lowell, Massachusetts, Eastern time zone, and dates back to September 1, 1997. Together with 351 it forms the 351/978 overlay. Because of number portability and VoIP, the area code tells you where the number was issued, not where the caller is right now.

NANPA lists 773 active NXX prefixes in 978, assigned to 30 carriers. 616 of those prefixes are pooled — shared between carriers in thousands-number blocks. The code spans 58 rate centers (billing localities).

The dialing plan is 10D for home-NPA local calls and 10D across codes.

If a 978 call asks for money or personal data, treat the displayed number as unverified: hang up and reach the organization through its published number. Numbering data locates numbers, not callers.

Its parent code is 508, which it left in 1997. Later relief produced 351 (2001) from its territory.

Largest localities in 978

FAQ

Is 978 a toll-free number?

No. 978 is a geographic code; calls are billed like any other domestic call. Toll-free codes are 800, 833, 844, 855, 866, 877 and 888.

Why do 351 and 978 cover the same place?

They are overlays: when a code runs low on numbers, a new code is added over the same territory instead of splitting it. The 351/978 complex shares one service area, and local calls are dialed with 10 digits.

Why am I getting spam calls from 978 numbers?

Scammers spoof recognizable area codes so calls look local or familiar. A displayed 978 number does not prove the call originated there — see our guide to spotting spoofed calls.

Where is a 978 number from?

978 is assigned to Lowell and surrounding areas of Massachusetts in the Eastern time zone. The three digits after the area code (the prefix) narrow it down to a rate center.