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United Kingdom Postcodes

United Kingdom

SW1A 1AAEurope7 chars
Browse All Codes Lookup Tool
Total Codes

27.7K

Code Length

7 chars

Countries

5

Admin Levels

4

Interactive Map

Explore United Kingdom's 5 countries with our interactive map.

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Find Post Offices

Locate post offices across United Kingdom. Find addresses and contact information.

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Understanding United Kingdom Postcodes

Government correspondence mailed within United Kingdom carries 7-character alphanumeric routing digits (SW1A 1AA); GB internal mail centers index.

Key Characteristics

Code Type

Numeric

Administered By

National Postal Service

Coverage

Nationwide

Postcode format breakdown

United Kingdom uses alphanumeric postcodes with 7 characters (example: SW1A 1AA). In our directory, these codes are organized from countries down to parishes.

Visual Structure

S
W
1
A
1
A
A

Government correspondence mailed within United Kingdom carries 7-character alphanumeric routing digits (SW1A 1AA); GB internal mail centers index.

Administrative Hierarchy

How United Kingdom organises areas for postcodes

Countries(5)
Counties(146)
Districts(158)
Parishes(27.3K)
1

Country

5 total
Browse all countries
2

County

146 total
3

District

158 total
4

Parish

27.3K total

Countries Directory

Browse all 5 top-level divisions

England
L93000001
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales

Addressing Mail to United Kingdom

Step-by-step guide for correct address formatting

1
Recipient name
2
Street address
3
Locality (if needed)
4
Post town Postcode
5
UNITED KINGDOM

Sample Address Block

Name; 49 Moonstone Street; Little Linford MK19 6EA; UNITED KINGDOM

Delivery Best Practices

Tips for successful mail and package delivery

Always verify the postcode

Verify your postcode is complete (7 characters) before sending. Use our lookup tool to confirm accuracy.

Include all address levels

Write the full address hierarchy for best results.

Avoid abbreviations

Write out full country names to prevent sorting errors.

Don't omit the postcode

Missing postcodes cause significant delivery delays and may result in returned mail.

Shipping to United Kingdom

What to know when sending packages

Standard domestic delivery within United Kingdom typically takes 2–7 business days. International packages require complete address information including the postcode. Always include the correct 7-character code for fastest routing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about United Kingdom postcodes

What is the postcode format for United Kingdom?

United Kingdom uses 7 characters in the postcode. An example is SW1A 1AA. Government correspondence mailed within United Kingdom carries 7-character alphanumeric routing digits (SW1A 1AA); GB internal mail centers index.

How many countries does United Kingdom have?

United Kingdom has 5 countries with postcode coverage. Use our browse tool to explore them.

How do I find my postcode in United Kingdom?

Use our free lookup or browse by country to find the exact postcode for your location.

Where do I write the postcode on a United Kingdom address?

The postcode is written on the same line as or immediately after the country, before the country name when mailing internationally.