Where can I find a list of NAICS codes?
You can look up official industry codes and browse classifications using the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Lookup.
Official NAICS Directories and Tools
- Official Government Source: Use the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS page to search keywords, view the hierarchical structure (from 2-digit sectors to 6-digit national industries), and download reference files.
- Interactive Code Search: Use the NAICS Association Search Tool to browse categories, look up specific business codes, or cross-reference legacy SIC codes.
- Structured Directory: Browse top-level sectors and drill down step-by-step using the SICCODE NAICS Directory.
Understanding the NAICS Structure
NAICS uses a 6-digit hierarchical coding system to classify business establishments:
- 2-digit code: Sector (e.g., Retail Trade, Manufacturing)
- 3-digit code: Subsector
- 4-digit code: Industry Group
- 5-digit code: NAICS Industry
- 6-digit code: National Industry
How do I find a company's NAICS code?
You can find a company's North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code by searching the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search page or using a business directory like the NAICS Association Company Lookup Tool. A NAICS code is a six-digit standard used by federal agencies to classify business establishments.
Methods to Find a NAICS Code
- Search by Keyword: Go to the official U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search and type specific keywords describing the company's primary business activities.
- Use Business Directories: Check company profiles on third-party tools like the NAICS Association Company Lookup Tool or commercial databases like Hoovers and Mergent Intellect if you have library access.
- Check Government Registrations: Look up federal filings if the business is a government contractor on SAM.gov or check past tax returns (such as Schedule C or Form 1120) where the principal business activity code is declared.
- Match by Industry Description: Browse the hierarchical industry structure on the Census site to drill down from broad economic sectors to specific 6-digit codes.
Can you provide me with a list of industry codes?
You can find official lists of industry codes through the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS or lookup tools like NAICS.com Search.
Industry codes are numbers that group similar businesses together. Governments and researchers use them to track economic data. The two main systems used are NAICS and SIC.
NAICS (North American Industry Classification System)
NAICS is the modern 6-digit system used in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
- Digits 1-2: General sector (example: 31-33 for Manufacturing)
- Digit 3: Subsector
- Digit 4: Industry group
- Digit 5: Specific NAICS industry
- Digit 6: National industry code
Major NAICS Sectors
- 11: Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and Hunting
- 21: Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
- 22: Utilities
- 23: Construction
- 31-33: Manufacturing
- 42: Wholesale Trade
- 44-45: Retail Trade
- 48-49: Transportation and Warehousing
- 51: Information
- 52: Finance and Insurance
- 53: Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
- 54: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- 55: Management of Companies and Enterprises
- 56: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
- 61: Educational Services
- 62: Health Care and Social Assistance
- 71: Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
- 72: Accommodation and Food Services
- 81: Other Services (except Public Administration)
- 92: Public Administration
SIC (Standard Industrial Classification)
SIC is an older 4-digit system. You can view the SEC SIC Code List for older filings and specific regulatory uses.
Are NAICS codes public information?
Yes, NAICS codes themselves are completely public standards, but whether a specific company's NAICS code is public depends on how it is registered and shared.
The Classification System is Public
- Standard codes: The full list of North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes, descriptions, and structures is public information.
- Official source: You can freely look up any industry category using the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS tool.
Individual Company Codes
- Government confidentiality: Federal law (Title 13, U.S. Code) prohibits agencies like the U.S. Census Bureau from disclosing individual company activities, including their specific assigned NAICS codes.
- Public filings: Publicly traded companies are not legally required to publicize their NAICS codes in standard financial disclosures, though they often appear in government contracting databases like SAM.gov if the business bids on public projects.
- Self-assignment: Businesses often choose and list their own NAICS codes on tax forms, state business registries, or commercial credit profiles.
Can I download a free PDF list of NAICS codes?
You can download a free official PDF manual of the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) directly from the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Page.
Where to Download Free NAICS Lists
- Official Government PDF: The U.S. Census Bureau provides the complete 2022 NAICS Manual PDF covering all sectors and definitions.
- Alternative Formats: Organizations like the NAICS Association offer free spreadsheet downloads (Excel/XLSX) if you prefer working with data tables instead of a PDF.
What the PDF Includes
- 20 broad economic sectors
- Hierarchical breakdown from 2-digit sectors down to 6-digit national industries
- Detailed descriptions for production processes and industry groupings
Only 1% Pick NAICS Codes Correctly (This is How)
Can you provide a list of NAICS codes?
You can find the complete, official list of all 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes directly on the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS page.
Major NAICS Sectors
NAICS uses a 2-digit to 6-digit hierarchical code system. The major 2-digit sector categories include:
- 11 - Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
- 21 - Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
- 22 - Utilities
- 23 - Construction
- 31–33 - Manufacturing
- 42 - Wholesale Trade
- 44–45 - Retail Trade
- 48–49 - Transportation and Warehousing
- 51 - Information
- 52 - Finance and Insurance
- 53 - Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
- 54 - Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
- 55 - Management of Companies and Enterprises
- 56 - Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
- 61 - Educational Services
- 62 - Health Care and Social Assistance
- 71 - Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation
- 72 - Accommodation and Food Services
- 81 - Other Services (except Public Administration)
- 92 - Public Administration
How to Look Up Specific Codes
Because there are over 1,000 specific 6-digit codes, searching by keyword is the fastest method:
- Use the NAICS Search Tool to type in your specific business activity.
- Alternatively, browse or download the structural reference files directly from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Where can I find the 6 digit NAICS code?
You can find a 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code by using the official U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search tool.
How to Find Your Code
- Keyword Search: Go to the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search page and type a specific keyword describing your business activity (such as "restaurant" or "plumbing") into the search box.
- Browse Industry Sectors: View the hierarchical structure by selecting a 2-digit sector and drilling down through subsectors and industry groups until you reach the specific 6-digit national industry code.
- Alternative Directories: Use the NAICS Association Search Tool to look up codes by keyword or browse titles through their Six Digit NAICS Codes Directory.
What is my business industry code?
You can find a company's industry code (such as a NAICS or SIC code) by using the NAICS Search Tool or checking official corporate and tax documents.
How to Look Up an Industry Code
- Check Tax and Business Filings: Look at the upper right-hand side of the company's federal tax returns or state incorporation paperwork where the primary NAICS Code is often listed.
- Search by Company Name: Use the NAICS US Company Lookup Tool to find specific business classifications, addresses, and corresponding codes by entering the company name.
- Use Government Resources: Visit the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Page to search keywords describing the primary business activities and match them to official 6-digit codes.
- Check Public Filings (SEC): For publicly traded companies, search financial reports and disclosures via the SEC EDGAR System to find listed Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) codes.
What NAICS code should I use?
Choose the 6-digit North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code that matches the activity generating the most revenue for your business.
How to Find Your Code
- Search Keywords: Go to the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search and type simple words describing your main product or service (like "bakery" or "trucking").
- Drill Down: Browse the numerical hierarchy from the 2-digit sector down to the specific 6-digit national industry.
- Use Alternative Tools: You can also check industry guides on the NAICS Association Search to compare definitions.
Key Rules
- Self-Assigned: Businesses generally choose their own codes for tax forms, loan applications, and state licenses.
- Primary Activity: Base your choice on what brings in the highest percentage of your income.
- Multiple Codes: You can use secondary codes if your business does more than one major activity, especially when registering on platforms like SAM.gov for government contracting.
What is a NAICS code?
A NAICS code is a six-digit numerical code used by government agencies and businesses to classify business establishments by their primary industry and economic activity. NAICS stands for the North American Industry Classification System. It was created jointly in 1997 by the United States, Canada, and Mexico to replace the older Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system.
How NAICS Codes Are Structured
NAICS uses a hierarchical system where each added digit provides more detail about what a business does:
- 2 digits: Broad economic sector (e.g., Retail Trade)
- 3 digits: Subsector (e.g., Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers)
- 4 digits: Industry group (e.g., Other Motor Vehicle Dealers)
- 5 digits: NAICS industry (e.g., Motorcycle, Boat, and Other Motor Vehicle Dealers)
- 6 digits: Specific national industry unique to the U.S., Canada, or Mexico
Why NAICS Codes Matter
- Government data: Federal agencies use these codes to collect, analyze, and publish statistics on the economy.
- Taxes and licenses: State and local tax agencies often require a NAICS code when you register your business or apply for permits.
- B2B marketing and lending: Banks, insurance companies, and market researchers use NAICS codes to group similar businesses for risk assessment or target marketing.
You can look up the correct code for your business using the official U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search tool.