Postcode Areas
The broadest postcode geography, identifying major postal areas across the UK.
POSTCODE LOOKUP GUIDE
Know the structure before you search.
UK postcodes use an outward code of two to four characters and an inward code of three characters. The inward code begins with a number and ends with two letters.
Browse the postcode system
Royal Mail maintains the UK postcode system, while the Office for National Statistics explains how postcodes can be related to statistical geographies. A postcode is a useful geographic reference, but it is not intended to pinpoint an exact location for satellite navigation.
External resources: Dia Rural, Paradis, and F24.
Postcode Districts
District-level postcode browsing for narrowing a postal area to a more specific locality.
Postcode Sectors
Sector-level postcode references that sit between district and full unit postcode.
Postcode Units
Full unit postcode references for detailed postal delivery areas and address research.
More postcode resources
Address & Postcode Finder
Tools and guidance for finding an address from a postcode or finding a postcode from address information.
Business Postcodes
Postcode-focused discovery for businesses, offices, commercial addresses and local services.
Postcode Geography
Understand how postcodes relate to geographic and statistical areas without treating them as exact coordinates.
Postcode Data & Resources
Reference material for postcode formats, validation, datasets, mapping and responsible use.
Explore major postcode markets
London Postcodes
London contains several distinctive postcode areas and districts, including SW, SE, W, NW, N, E, EC and WC.
Birmingham Postcodes
Birmingham uses postcode districts within the B postcode area, supporting detailed postal and geographic reference.
Manchester Postcodes
Manchester and surrounding areas are served through the M postcode area and its districts.