Tennessee · Central Time
865 Area Code
Area code 865 is in Tennessee, serving Knoxville and surrounding counties in East Tennessee. It is in the Central Time zone.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 865 area code?
865 is a Tennessee area code covering Knoxville and surrounding counties in East Tennessee. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Cities in the 865 area code
- Knoxville
- Maryville
- Oak Ridge
- Sevierville
- Farragut
- Alcoa
- Lenoir City
- Clinton
- Gatlinburg
- Pigeon Forge
- Loudon
- Powell
- Harriman
Counties served by 865
Knox County, Blount County, Sevier County, Anderson County, Loudon County, Jefferson County, Roane County, Union County and Grainger County.
Time zone note: Eastern in Knoxville and Chattanooga; Central in Nashville, Memphis and most of the state.
Dialing 865
Knoxville, TN is currently served by the single area code 865, with no overlay. Ten-digit dialing (area code + seven-digit number) always works and is increasingly the norm nationwide; some local calls may still connect with seven digits. If a future overlay is added, 10-digit dialing would become mandatory.
From outside the US, dial +1 865 followed by the seven-digit number.
History of the 865 area code
865 went into service on November 1, 1999, created when it was split from 423. It serves Knoxville and the surrounding part of Tennessee. For how codes are created, split, and overlaid, see how area codes work.
Is 865 a scam or spam risk?
865 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 865 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Knoxville, TN or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Tennessee area codes
Explore more
See every code in Tennessee, compare codes across the South region, or view all Central Time codes. You can also browse the 8XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
865 area code FAQ
Where is the 865 area code?
The 865 area code is in Tennessee, covering Knoxville and surrounding counties in East Tennessee, in the South region.
What cities are in the 865 area code?
Cities in the 865 area code include Knoxville, Maryville, Oak Ridge, Sevierville, Farragut, Alcoa, Lenoir City, Clinton, Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge.
What time zone is 865 in?
865 is in the Central Time zone. Eastern in Knoxville and Chattanooga; Central in Nashville, Memphis and most of the state.
When did the 865 area code start?
865 went into service on November 1, 1999.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 865?
Ten-digit dialing always works, and many areas now require it; some local calls in this area may still connect with seven digits.
Is 865 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 865 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.