The 220 area code is the newer of two codes that share the same ground: it is an overlay of 740, covering central and southeastern Ohio — the suburban ring around Columbus and the Appalachian foothills beyond it. Unlike a code that owns its own map, 220 sits directly on top of 740, so a 220 number and a 740 number can be neighbors on the same street.
This guide explains exactly where 220 reaches, what it means to be an overlay of 740, the 10-digit dialing it requires, and how to get a 220 number from anywhere.
Where is the 220 area code?
The 220 area code covers central and southeastern Ohio — the same territory as 740. It wraps around the Columbus metro (the city itself uses 614 and its overlay 380) and stretches southeast through the hills toward the Ohio River.
Cities and towns inside the 220/740 footprint include:
| City | Area | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Newark | Central | Licking County seat |
| Lancaster | Central | Fairfield County, glassmaking |
| Zanesville | East-central | The Y-Bridge, pottery |
| Chillicothe | South-central | Ohio's first capital |
| Athens | Southeast | Ohio University |
| Marietta | Southeast | Ohio's oldest city |
| Portsmouth | South | Ohio River town |
| Delaware | North | Columbus's northern suburbs |
220 is an overlay of 740
An overlay adds a second area code to a region that is running out of numbers, instead of splitting the map and forcing anyone to renumber. That is exactly what 220 is. When the 740 number pool — in service since 1997 — began to run low, regulators introduced 220 as an overlay in 2015 rather than carving 740 into pieces.
The practical result: 220 and 740 cover identical geography. A business in Athens or Newark might have a 740 number, while its newer neighbor across the street has a 220 — same town, same rates, same everything. A 220 number is simply a more recently issued central-Ohio line. For another Ohio-adjacent region that recently added an overlay, see central Illinois's 217 area code and its new 447 code.
Dialing and time zone
Because two codes share one region, 10-digit dialing is mandatory across the 220/740 area — every local call needs the full area code, even one placed next door. Seven-digit dialing no longer connects.
The 220 area code sits in the Eastern Time Zone (ET) — America/New_York — observing EST (UTC−5) in winter and EDT (UTC−4) in summer.
| Calling from | Dial |
|---|---|
| Within central/SE Ohio | 220 XXX XXXX (10-digit dialing is required) |
| Elsewhere in the US / Canada | 1 220 XXX XXXX |
| Outside North America | +1 220 XXX XXXX |
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Why a 220 number still says "central Ohio"
Even though it is the newer code, a 220 number carries the same local weight as a 740 — it reads as central or southeastern Ohio to anyone in the region. For a Newark contractor, an Athens startup near the university, or a Lancaster shop, that local caller ID lifts answer rates and builds trust with Ohio customers far better than an unknown out-of-state or toll-free line.
You do not need a storefront in Zanesville to hold one. My Country Mobile can assign you a 220 number and route it to the phones, laptops, and apps your team already uses, anywhere in the world.
Staying safe from 220 scam calls
Newer overlay codes get spoofed just like established ones. Scammers fake a 220 caller ID — sometimes matching the first digits of your own number — so a call looks like a nearby business or county office. A 220 on your screen does not prove the caller is really in Ohio.
A few habits keep you safe:
- Let unknown 220 calls go to voicemail; legitimate callers leave a message.
- Never share one-time codes, card numbers, or login details with an inbound caller.
- Be wary of "utility shutoff," "warrant," or refund-style calls that pressure you to act fast.
- Use carrier spam filtering. The FCC's STIR/SHAKEN call authentication framework is why many phones now flag these as "Spam Risk."
How to get a 220 number
Getting a 220 line takes minutes, with no Ohio address required. A cloud phone provider can assign you one and route calls to the devices your team already uses:
- Sign up for a free account — no card needed to browse inventory.
- Search 220 (or 740) and pick a number from available central-Ohio inventory.
- Choose a plan by seat count and features.
- Route and go live — send calls to a cell, desk phone, or softphone.
Porting an existing 220 or 740 number runs 5–10 business days in the background while you stay live on a temporary number.
Key takeaways
- 220 is an overlay of 740, covering the same central and southeastern Ohio region around Columbus.
- The two codes share identical geography — a 220 number is just a more recently issued central-Ohio line.
- The overlay makes 10-digit dialing mandatory across the region.
- 220 sits in Eastern Time —
America/New_York. - A 220 number signals a genuine central-Ohio presence and can be held from anywhere.
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Frequently asked questions
Where is the 220 area code located?
The 220 area code covers central and southeastern Ohio — the same region as 740 — including Newark, Lancaster, Zanesville, Chillicothe, Athens, Marietta, and Portsmouth, around the Columbus metro.
What area code is 220?
220 is an overlay area code for central and southeastern Ohio, added in 2015 on top of the existing 740 code.
What is the difference between 220 and 740?
None geographically — both cover the same central/southeast Ohio region. 740 is the original (1997); 220 was added as an overlay in 2015 when 740 ran low on numbers.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for a local 220 call?
Yes. Because 220 and 740 share one region, 10-digit dialing is mandatory for every local call.
Is a call from a 220 number a scam?
Not by itself — 220 is a legitimate central-Ohio area code. But scammers often spoof 220 numbers to look local, so be cautious with unexpected calls and never share personal or financial details.
What time zone is the 220 area code in?
Eastern Time (ET) — America/New_York — EST in winter and EDT in summer.
Can I get a 220 number if I don't live in Ohio?
Yes. A cloud phone provider can assign you a 220 number that works from anywhere and routes to your existing devices — no Ohio address required.
