The United Kingdom has a highly efficient and sophisticated postal system that relies heavily upon postcode areas to ensure mail reaches the intended recipient quickly. But how many postcode areas are there in the entire country? The UK's extensive postcode map is fascinating. It includes both bustling city centres and remote countryside areas. In this article we will break down the number postcode areas by region and provide a detailed overview. Let's dive in to the world of British postcodes.

Postcode Areas: What Are They?
We will start by defining what a Postcode Area is. The UK's system of postcodes is divided into four hierarchical levels - postcode area (or district), sector (or unit), and unit. The "postcode area" is the broadest level, identified by one or two letters at the start of every postcode (e.g., "SW" for South West London). These areas are meant to cover a large geographic area, allowing sorting offices to efficiently manage deliveries.
How Postcodes Are Structured
They may look random at first but follow a logical pattern that is intended to streamline logistics. Here's a breakdown:
Postcode (Broadest Area): Represented using one or more letters (e.g. SW for South West London).
Postcode District: A number follows the area code to narrow down the location further (e.g., "SW1").
Postcode Sector: Adding an additional number creates a new sector within the district (e.g., "SW1A").
Postcode unit (most specific level): Finally, identify an individual street or a building with two letters (e.g. "SW1A1AA").
Even small villages or remote locations are given unique identifiers by this hierarchical organisation. Let's get to it! Here is a list of all postcode areas listed by UK region:
1. England
England has the lion’s share of postcode areas, reflecting its larger population and landmass compared to other parts of the UK. There are 48 postcode areas in total, each representing a distinct part of the country.
Northern England:
NE (North East)
NW (North West)
DH (Durham)
DL (Darlington)
FY (Blackpool/Fylde)
HX (Halifax)
LS (Leeds)
M (Manchester)
SR (Sunderland)
Midlands:
B (Birmingham)
CV (Coventry)
DE (Derby)
DY (Dudley)
LE (Leicester)
NG (Nottingham)
ST (Stoke-on-Trent)
TF (Telford)
WS (Walsall)
Eastern England:
CB (Cambridge)
CM (Chelmsford)
CO (Colchester)
IP (Ipswich)
NR (Norwich)
PE (Peterborough)
SG (Stevenage)
Southern England:
BA (Bath)
BH (Bournemouth)
BN (Brighton)
BS (Bristol)
GU (Guildford)
KT (Kingston upon Thames)
ME (Rochester/Medway)
PO (Portsmouth)
RH (Redhill/Reigate)
SO (Southampton)
SP (Salisbury)
TN (Tunbridge Wells)
London:
EC (East Central London)
E (East London)
N (North London)
NW (North West London)
SE (South East London)
SW (South West London)
W (West London)
WC (West Central London)
2. Scotland
Scotland boasts 15 postcode areas , catering to its diverse landscapes—from urban hubs like Glasgow to rugged Highlands.
AB (Aberdeen)
DD (Dundee)
DG (Dumfries)
EH (Edinburgh)
FK (Falkirk)
G (Glasgow)
HS (Outer Hebrides)
IV (Inverness)
KA (Kilmarnock)
KW (Kirkwall)
KY (Kirkcaldy)
ML (Motherwell)
PA (Paisley)
PH (Perth)
ZE (Shetland Islands)
3. Wales
With 11 postcode areas , Wales ensures even its most rural communities are connected through the postal network.
CF (Cardiff)
CH (Chester/Wrexham)
HR (Hereford)
LD (Llandrindod Wells)
LL (Llandudno)
NP (Newport)
SA (Swansea)
SY (Shrewsbury)
TA (Taunton – shared with Somerset)
GL (Gloucester – partially covers Welsh borders)
WR (Worcester – partially covers Welsh borders)
4. Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland operates under a slightly different system but still uses 6 postcode areas to organize its postal services.
BT (Belfast)
(Note: Unlike the rest of the UK, Northern Ireland doesn’t divide its postcodes into multiple areas; instead, the entire region falls under the BT prefix.)
Fun Facts About UK Postcodes
As we list these postcodes, there are some interesting facts to know about them.
The smallest of all postcode areas is East Central London (EC). This area covers only a tiny part of London.
The largest postcode region is IV (Inverness), which extends across the Scottish Highlands.
Some postcodes are overlapped by regional boundaries. CH for example, covers areas of both Wales as well as England.
Why Does This Matter?
Understanding postcode areas can be useful not just for sending out letters but in the modern world. Businesses use them in marketing campaigns. Delivery routes are determined by postcodes. Home hunters also search for homes based on preferred postcodes. Plus, knowing the postcode of your area can be helpful when filling forms, booking courier service, or navigating on online maps.
Tips for Using Postcodes Effectively
You can use the UK's postal system to your advantage, regardless of whether you are a resident, entrepreneur, or traveler.
Double Verify Your Address. Always verify your full address, including the postcode. You could avoid missing packages or missed deliveries by double checking.
Use the online tools: Websites offering Postcode Finder can assist you in confirming the correct postcode of any address.
Recognise local variations: Be mindful that some rural regions may share the same postcode with nearby towns or counties.
Plan ahead for Business: If running a company, consider using the postcode information to refine your marketing strategies or improve service.
Conclusion
The UK's postal system is efficient and connects millions across its 124 regional areas. It is far more complex than a series of numbers and letters. It provides a solid foundation for modern communications and logistics.
Twenty47 logistics makes use of this system to offer smooth, reliable courier services tailored to your specific needs. We can guarantee that you will receive your package on time and without any problems, whether it be same-day or complex logistical services.
FAQs
1. How many postcode areas are there in the UK?
There are 124 postcode areas in total across the UK, covering England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
2. What is the largest postcode area in the UK?
The largest postcode area is IV (Inverness), which stretches across much of the Scottish Highlands.
3. Does Northern Ireland have multiple postcode areas?
No, Northern Ireland uses only one postcode prefix, BT , which is divided into numerical zones for different regions.
4. Why are postcode areas important for businesses?
Postcode areas help businesses streamline deliveries, target marketing campaigns, analyze customer data, and plan logistics efficiently.
5. Can postcodes overlap regional boundaries?
Yes, some postcode areas like CH (Chester/Wrexham) cover parts of both England and Wales, reflecting shared geographic regions.
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