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What Is Postal Code Vs Zip Code?

  • Writer: Daser kasery
    Daser kasery
  • Aug 11, 2022
  • 1 min read

Despite their similarity, postal codes and zip codes are actually two different things. One is used for mail delivery, while the other helps determine the location of a certain company or individual. The purpose of a ZIP code is to help the post office plan routes and collect demographic information. A ZIP code can be either numbers or letters, with punctuation included. Here are some reasons to understand the differences between the two.



ZIP codes were introduced in 1963. Prior to this, all mail was delivered by the United States Postal Service. During that time, the United States Postal Service moved 80 billion pieces of mail per year, compared to 30 billion pieces in the midst of the Great Depression. As a result, the system spawned a great deal of controversy and a 20-year conflict. Moon died in 2001, but is still credited with establishing the first three digits of a ZIP code.


A postal code is a numerical value, while a ZIP code is a broader geographic location. A ZIP code is five or more characters long, while a postal code is four to seven characters. While ZIP codes are essentially the same thing, they have different functions. While both codes are used for mailing, the latter is considered a longer version of the former. Fortunately, the two codes are not too dissimilar.


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