The number of digits in a mobile phone number varies by country due to different telecommunications standards, numbering plans, and regulatory practices. In general, mobile phone numbers consist of a country code, an area or mobile network code, and the subscriber number. The total digit count (excluding or including the country code) typically ranges from 9 to 15 digits, depending on the country and format used.
1. Common Mobile Number Lengths Globally
United States & Canada: Mobile numbers follow the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), where a standard number has 10 digits (e.g., 987-654-3210). With the country code +1, the full international format becomes 11 digits.
United Kingdom: UK mobile numbers are usually 11 digits, starting with a “07” prefix for domestic use. In international format, they begin with +44 and drop the leading zero, resulting in 10 digits (e.g., +44 7123 456789).
India: Indian mobile numbers are 10 digits long recent mobile phone number data and typically begin with a 9, 8, 7, or 6. In international format, the full number becomes 12 digits with the +91 country code (e.g., +91 9876543210).
Germany: German mobile numbers vary in length, typically from 10 to 11 digits, excluding the country code. With +49 included, the number can be up to 13 digits.
Japan: Japanese mobile numbers have 10 digits (e.g., 090-1234-5678). When written with the +81 country code, the number usually has 11 or 12 digits, depending on the format.
2. Structure of a Mobile Number
A typical mobile number can be broken down into:
Country Code: A prefix starting with a “+” followed by 1–3 digits. For example, +1 (USA), +44 (UK), +91 (India).
Mobile Network Code: Identifies the operator (e.g., Airtel, Vodafone, etc.).
Subscriber Number: The unique number assigned to the user.
In international format, the number is usually presented as:
+CountryCode MobileNumber
Example: +1 408 123 4567
3. Why Digit Counts Vary
Several factors explain why mobile number lengths differ:
Population Size: Countries with larger populations need longer subscriber numbers to avoid exhaustion.
Regulatory Choices: Each country’s telecom authority defines the number structure to suit local needs.
Historical Systems: Older countries may have legacy formats that evolved gradually.
4. How to Find the Format in Your Country
To know how many digits are in your mobile number:
Check Your SIM Card Documentation.
Visit your telecom provider’s website.
Use ITU’s country number plan documentation.
Conclusion
While the number of digits in a mobile number varies worldwide, most countries use 10-digit subscriber numbers, excluding the country code. Including the country code, a complete mobile number usually falls between 11 and 13 digits. Understanding the local and international formats is essential for correctly dialing or storing numbers, especially in apps or databases that handle global communications.