The area code 901 is located in Memphis, Tennessee.
Area code 901 serves the Memphis metro in southwest Tennessee, right along the Mississippi River. Centered on the city of Memphis, it connects a region known for music, history, and commerce—home to Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, and the Memphis Pyramid. The 901 area code sits in the Central Time Zone (CT) and is closely tied to Memphis’s identity as a cultural and logistics hub. If you see a 901 phone number, it almost always points to Memphis or its nearby suburbs.
Major cities and communities in area code 901 include:
History and coverage: 901 was established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan area codes and once covered much of Tennessee. In 1954, area code 615 split off, and in 2001, area code 731 took most of rural West Tennessee, leaving 901 focused on the Memphis metro, primarily in Shelby County with nearby parts of Tipton and Fayette counties. “According to the North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA), ‘Area code 901 was assigned in 1947 as one of the original area codes.’” This long history makes 901 one of the most recognized Tennessee area codes.
Interesting facts: Memphis is the global hub for FedEx Express at Memphis International Airport, and landmarks like Sun Studio and FedExForum fall within 901. Locals even celebrate “901 Day” each year on September 1 to honor the city and its culture. As of today, 901 remains a standalone area code with no overlay, so 901 phone numbers are strongly associated with Memphis. Whether you’re calling a business, university, or hospital like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a 901 number signals a direct link to the heart of the Mid-South.