Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Area code 878
Where Is Area Code 878?
Area code 878 is in western Pennsylvania. It serves Pittsburgh and the surrounding part of southwestern Pennsylvania. It is part of the North American Numbering Plan and covers the same region as area codes 412 and 724.
Area code 878 serves Allegheny County, including Pittsburgh, and it also reaches many nearby communities in the broader 724 service area. Major cities and communities in this combined service area include Pittsburgh, New Castle, Washington, Greensburg, and Uniontown. The code covers both urban and suburban areas across western Pennsylvania.
This area includes well-known regional landmarks and features tied to Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh sits at the meeting point of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, which form the Ohio River. Notable places in the area include Downtown Pittsburgh, the University of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University, and Acrisure Stadium.
History of Area Code 878
Area code 878 was created as an overlay in Pennsylvania and entered service on August 17, 2001. It overlays area code 724, which had been created in 1998 in a split from 412. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved the new code as demand for phone numbers continued to grow.
Area code 878 later became an overlay for area code 412 as well. Since February 1, 2013, 878 has overlaid both 412 and 724 in the Pittsburgh numbering plan area. This change reflects long-term growth in landlines, mobile phones, fax lines, and other services that needed new telephone numbers.
Key Facts About Area Code 878
- Area code 878 is a Pennsylvania area code that serves Pittsburgh and parts of western Pennsylvania.
- Pittsburgh is the best-known city in area code 878, and it is the second-largest city in Pennsylvania.
- Area code 878 is in the Eastern Time Zone and follows Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.
- Area code 878 is an overlay area code, not an original 1947 area code.
- Area code 878 first went into service on August 17, 2001, as an overlay for area code 724.
- Since February 1, 2013, area code 878 has overlaid both area codes 412 and 724.
- The 878 service area includes major institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University.
- The region served by area code 878 includes Pittsburgh’s three-river area, where the Allegheny and Monongahela rivers form the Ohio River.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state is area code 878 in?
Area code 878 is in Pennsylvania.
What major cities use area code 878?
Major cities in area code 878 include Pittsburgh, New Castle, Washington, Greensburg, and Uniontown.
Is area code 878 a toll-free number?
No. Area code 878 is a geographic area code for western Pennsylvania.
Last updated: April 2026