Direct answer
Area code 513 serves the greater Cincinnati metro area in Ohio. It is in the Eastern Time, and ten-digit dialing is required there.
Facts
| Area code | 513 |
| State | Ohio (OH) |
| Region | the greater Cincinnati metro area |
| Time zone | Eastern Time |
| Overlays | 513/283 |
| In service since | 1947 (NANPA tool date: 1 January 1947) |
| Dialing rule | Yes — ten-digit dialing is required (NANPA 10-digit dialing report; no transition date is stated in this package). |
Areas covered
The 513 footprint covers Cincinnati, Hamilton, Mason, West Chester, Middletown, Fairfield, Oxford, Lebanon, Springboro, Milford, Batavia, and Norwood. That list describes the area the code serves today, not the larger territory it may have covered when it was first assigned. Ohio is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone for this footprint. Callers in this area should always dial the full ten-digit number, including the area code, even for a local call.
History
Area code 513 is an original 1947 code and one of Ohio’s original four codes, covering south-western Ohio including Cincinnati and Dayton at launch. Area code 937 split from 513 in 1996 for Dayton, Springfield, and the eastern and northern parts of the old territory, and NANPA records 937 in service on 28 September 1996. That split left Cincinnati and its immediate suburbs in 513. Area code 283 was added as an overlay, and NANPA records 283 in service on 28 April 2023. Ten-digit dialing in 513 is not attributed here to the 283 overlay: the research draft notes it came earlier, through the nationwide 988 transition, but the exact transition date is not NANPA-confirmed, so no date is given for it in this package.
Dialing
Dialing rule: Yes — ten-digit dialing is required (NANPA 10-digit dialing report; no transition date is stated in this package). The reason is the overlay structure in the facts table above, except where this page states a different reason, as it does for 616. From outside the United States, the country code for the United States is 1, followed by the area code and the local number. This page explains the area code only; it does not identify who owns a number or where a phone is.
Calls and spoofing
A call that shows a familiar area code is not proof of who is calling. Caller ID can be spoofed, so a number that looks local may come from anywhere. Do not share personal or financial details because of the number on the screen, and hang up and call back on a number you trust if a caller asks for money, codes, or account access. This site does not identify callers or phone owners, and it does not list reported spam numbers.
Related codes
283 (overlay); 937 (split code, not a Batch 1 page).
Frequently asked questions
Where is 513 area code?
Area code 513 is in Ohio, covering the greater Cincinnati metro area. It does not cover the whole state.
What time zone is 513 area code?
Area code 513 is in the Eastern Time. Ohio is entirely in the Eastern Time Zone for this footprint.
What area codes overlay 513?
The overlay codes for 513 are 283. The full overlay group is 513/283. New numbers in the same territory can carry any code in the group.
Do I need to dial 10 digits for 513?
Yes — ten-digit dialing is required (NANPA 10-digit dialing report; no transition date is stated in this package).
When did 513 area code go into service?
Area code 513 has been in service since 1947 (NANPA tool date: 1 January 1947).
Sources
NANPA area code search; Public Utilities Commission of Ohio material cited in secondary guides
Based on a recent search of NANPA and official sources.
This website provides general information about North American area codes, compiled from public sources including NANPA. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FCC, NANPA or any telephone carrier. Area code details can change; confirm with your carrier or the official NANPA website. This site does not identify callers or phone owners.