Massachusetts · Eastern Time
978 Area Code
The 978 area code is a telephone area code in Massachusetts, covering Lowell and the surrounding area. It lies in the Eastern Time zone.
Last updated June 5, 2026
Where is the 978 area code?
978 serves Lowell and nearby communities in Massachusetts. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Overlay codes serving Lowell
Lowell is served by an overlay of 2 area codes: 351, 978. Because more than one code covers the same area, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes, so Lowell numbers are no longer tied to a single prefix.
History of the 978 area code
978 was introduced as an overlay to relieve number exhaustion in the Lowell area, adding capacity on top of 351 rather than splitting the region. Overlays let existing customers keep their numbers while new lines draw from the added code. Learn more in our overlay guide.
Is 978 a scam or spam risk?
978 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 978 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is local or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other Massachusetts area codes
Explore more
See every code in Massachusetts, compare codes across the Northeast region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 9XX 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
978 area code FAQ
Where is the 978 area code?
The 978 area code is in Massachusetts, serving Lowell and the surrounding area in the Northeast region.
What time zone is 978 in?
978 is in the Eastern Time zone.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 978?
Yes. Because Lowell is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 978 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 978 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.