The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a system used to classify businesses in North America by their industry and size. The NAICS code is a six-digit number that is assigned to each business. The first two digits of the NAICS code represent the industry sector, the third digit represents the subsector, the fourth digit represents the industry group, the fifth digit represents the NAICS industry, and the sixth digit represents the national industry. How do I find my NAICS number?
Editor’s Notes: “How do I find my NAICS number?” was published on [date]. This topic is important because it can help businesses understand their industry and size, and it can also be used to compare businesses to others in the same industry.
We’ve done some analysis, digging through all the information out there, and put together this guide to help you find your NAICS number. We’ll also provide some tips on how to use your NAICS number to your advantage.
Key differences or Key takeaways
| Feature | NAICS Code |
|---|---|
| Number of digits | 6 |
| First two digits | Industry sector |
| Third digit | Subsector |
| Fourth digit | Industry group |
| Fifth digit | NAICS industry |
| Sixth digit | National industry |
Main article topics
- What is a NAICS number?
- How do I find my NAICS number?
- What are the benefits of using a NAICS number?
- How can I use my NAICS number to my advantage?
How do I find my NAICS number?
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is a system used to classify businesses in North America by their industry and size. The NAICS code is a six-digit number that is assigned to each business. The first two digits of the NAICS code represent the industry sector, the third digit represents the subsector, the fourth digit represents the industry group, the fifth digit represents the NAICS industry, and the sixth digit represents the national industry.
- Industry sector
- Subsector
- Industry group
- NAICS industry
- National industry
- Size
- Location
- Ownership
- Activity
- Product
These key aspects can be used to find a business’s NAICS number. For example, a business that manufactures furniture would have a NAICS code that starts with 33 (manufacturing) and ends with 7 (furniture). A business that provides legal services would have a NAICS code that starts with 54 (professional, scientific, and technical services) and ends with 11 (legal services).
Industry sector
The industry sector is the first two digits of the NAICS code. It represents the broad category of industry in which a business operates. There are 20 industry sectors, which are listed below:
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Mining
- Utilities
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale trade
- Retail trade
- Transportation and warehousing
- Information
- Finance and insurance
- Real estate and rental and leasing
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts, entertainment, and recreation
- Accommodation and food services
- Other services (except public administration)
- Public administration
The industry sector is important because it can help businesses identify their target market and develop marketing strategies. It can also be used to compare businesses to others in the same industry.
For example, a business that manufactures furniture would be in the manufacturing industry sector. This information could be used to identify other businesses that manufacture furniture, as well as to develop marketing strategies that are targeted to furniture manufacturers.
Subsector
The subsector is the third digit of the NAICS code. It represents a more specific category of industry within the industry sector. There are 100 subsectors, which are listed below:
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
This subsector includes businesses that produce agricultural products, such as crops and livestock. It also includes businesses that provide forestry, fishing, and hunting services.
Mining
This subsector includes businesses that extract minerals from the earth. It also includes businesses that process and refine minerals.
Utilities
This subsector includes businesses that provide essential services, such as electricity, gas, and water. It also includes businesses that provide waste management services.
Construction
This subsector includes businesses that build and repair buildings and other structures. It also includes businesses that provide construction services, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
The subsector is important because it can help businesses identify their target market and develop marketing strategies. It can also be used to compare businesses to others in the same industry.
For example, a business that manufactures furniture would be in the manufacturing industry sector and the furniture and related products subsector. This information could be used to identify other businesses that manufacture furniture, as well as to develop marketing strategies that are targeted to furniture manufacturers.
Industry group
The industry group is the fourth digit of the NAICS code. It represents a more specific category of industry within the subsector. There are 319 industry groups, which are listed below:
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
This industry group includes businesses that produce agricultural products, such as crops and livestock. It also includes businesses that provide forestry, fishing, and hunting services.
Mining
This industry group includes businesses that extract minerals from the earth. It also includes businesses that process and refine minerals.
Utilities
This industry group includes businesses that provide essential services, such as electricity, gas, and water. It also includes businesses that provide waste management services.
Construction
This industry group includes businesses that build and repair buildings and other structures. It also includes businesses that provide construction services, such as carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work.
The industry group is important because it can help businesses identify their target market and develop marketing strategies. It can also be used to compare businesses to others in the same industry.
For example, a business that manufactures furniture would be in the manufacturing industry sector, the furniture and related products subsector, and the wood product manufacturing industry group. This information could be used to identify other businesses that manufacture furniture, as well as to develop marketing strategies that are targeted to furniture manufacturers.
NAICS industry
The NAICS industry is the fifth digit of the NAICS code. It represents a specific industry within the industry group. There are 977 NAICS industries, which are listed below:
The NAICS industry is important because it can help businesses identify their target market and develop marketing strategies. It can also be used to compare businesses to others in the same industry.
For example, a business that manufactures furniture would be in the manufacturing industry sector, the furniture and related products subsector, the wood product manufacturing industry group, and the wood household furniture industry. This information could be used to identify other businesses that manufacture furniture, as well as to develop marketing strategies that are targeted to furniture manufacturers.
The following table provides a breakdown of the NAICS code for a business that manufactures furniture:
| NAICS code | Description |
|---|---|
| 31 | Manufacturing |
| 311 | Wood product manufacturing |
| 3111 | Wood household furniture manufacturing |
As you can see, the NAICS code for a business that manufactures furniture is 3111. This information can be used to find other businesses that manufacture furniture, as well as to develop marketing strategies that are targeted to furniture manufacturers.
National industry
The national industry is the sixth digit of the NAICS code. It represents the specific industry within the NAICS industry. There are 448 national industries, which are listed below:
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Wood kitchen cabinets and countertops manufacturing
This national industry includes businesses that manufacture wood kitchen cabinets and countertops. These businesses may also manufacture other wood kitchen products, such as islands, pantries, and vanities.
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Upholstered household furniture manufacturing
This national industry includes businesses that manufacture upholstered household furniture. These businesses may also manufacture other upholstered furniture, such as office furniture and commercial furniture.
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Nonupholstered household furniture manufacturing
This national industry includes businesses that manufacture nonupholstered household furniture. These businesses may also manufacture other nonupholstered furniture, such as office furniture and commercial furniture.
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Metal household furniture manufacturing
This national industry includes businesses that manufacture metal household furniture. These businesses may also manufacture other metal furniture, such as office furniture and commercial furniture.
The national industry is important because it can help businesses identify their target market and develop marketing strategies. It can also be used to compare businesses to others in the same industry.
For example, a business that manufactures wood kitchen cabinets and countertops would be in the manufacturing industry sector, the furniture and related products subsector, the wood product manufacturing industry group, the wood household furniture industry, and the wood kitchen cabinets and countertops manufacturing national industry. This information could be used to identify other businesses that manufacture wood kitchen cabinets and countertops, as well as to develop marketing strategies that are targeted to manufacturers of wood kitchen cabinets and countertops.
Size
The size of a business is an important factor to consider when finding its NAICS number. The NAICS code is a six-digit number that is used to classify businesses by their industry and size. The size of a business is determined by its number of employees, its annual revenue, or its total assets.
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Number of employees
The number of employees is the most common way to measure the size of a business. A business with a large number of employees is considered to be a large business, while a business with a small number of employees is considered to be a small business.
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Annual revenue
The annual revenue of a business is another way to measure its size. A business with a large annual revenue is considered to be a large business, while a business with a small annual revenue is considered to be a small business.
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Total assets
The total assets of a business is another way to measure its size. A business with a large total assets is considered to be a large business, while a business with a small total assets is considered to be a small business.
The size of a business is important to consider when finding its NAICS number because the NAICS code is used to classify businesses by their industry and size. A large business will have a different NAICS code than a small business, even if they are in the same industry.
Location
The location of a business is an important factor to consider when finding its NAICS number. The NAICS code is a six-digit number that is used to classify businesses by their industry and size. The location of a business is important because it can affect the industry in which it operates and the size of the business.
For example, a business that is located in a rural area is more likely to be involved in agriculture or forestry than a business that is located in an urban area. Similarly, a business that is located in a large city is more likely to be a large business than a business that is located in a small town.
The location of a business can also affect the size of its NAICS code. A business that is located in a large metropolitan area is more likely to have a larger NAICS code than a business that is located in a small town. This is because the NAICS code is based on the number of employees that a business has. Businesses that have a large number of employees are more likely to have a larger NAICS code.
The following table provides a breakdown of the relationship between location and NAICS code:
| Location | NAICS code |
|---|---|
| Rural area | Small |
| Urban area | Large |
| Large metropolitan area | Very large |
As you can see, the location of a business can have a significant impact on its NAICS number. Businesses that are located in different areas are more likely to have different NAICS codes, even if they are in the same industry.
Ownership
Ownership is an important factor to consider when finding a business’s NAICS number. The NAICS code is a six-digit number that is used to classify businesses by their industry and size. The ownership of a business can affect its industry and size, which in turn can affect its NAICS code.
For example, a business that is owned by a single individual is more likely to be a small business than a business that is owned by a corporation. Similarly, a business that is owned by a non-profit organization is more likely to be involved in social services than a business that is owned by a for-profit organization.
The ownership of a business can also affect the size of its NAICS code. A business that is owned by a large corporation is more likely to have a larger NAICS code than a business that is owned by a single individual. This is because the NAICS code is based on the number of employees that a business has. Businesses that have a large number of employees are more likely to have a larger NAICS code.
The following table provides a breakdown of the relationship between ownership and NAICS code:
| Ownership | NAICS code |
|---|---|
| Single individual | Small |
| Corporation | Large |
| Non-profit organization | Social services |
As you can see, the ownership of a business can have a significant impact on its NAICS number. Businesses that have different ownership structures are more likely to have different NAICS codes, even if they are in the same industry.
Activity
Activity is an important factor to consider when finding a business’s NAICS number. The NAICS code is a six-digit number that is used to classify businesses by their industry and size. The activity of a business can affect its industry and size, which in turn can affect its NAICS code.
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Production
Production is the process of creating goods or services. Businesses that are involved in production are considered to be in the manufacturing industry. The size of a production business is typically determined by the number of employees that it has. Businesses that have a large number of employees are more likely to have a larger NAICS code.
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Distribution
Distribution is the process of moving goods or services from one place to another. Businesses that are involved in distribution are considered to be in the transportation and warehousing industry. The size of a distribution business is typically determined by the number of vehicles that it has. Businesses that have a large number of vehicles are more likely to have a larger NAICS code.
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Retail
Retail is the process of selling goods or services to consumers. Businesses that are involved in retail are considered to be in the retail trade industry. The size of a retail business is typically determined by the number of stores that it has. Businesses that have a large number of stores are more likely to have a larger NAICS code.
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Services
Services are activities that are performed for others. Businesses that are involved in services are considered to be in the service industry. The size of a service business is typically determined by the number of employees that it has. Businesses that have a large number of employees are more likely to have a larger NAICS code.
The activity of a business can have a significant impact on its NAICS number. Businesses that are involved in different activities are more likely to have different NAICS codes, even if they are in the same industry.
Product
The product is the physical good or service that a business produces or provides. The NAICS code is a six-digit number that is used to classify businesses by their industry and size. The product of a business can affect its industry and size, which in turn can affect its NAICS code.
For example, a business that produces furniture would be in the manufacturing industry. The size of a furniture business would be determined by the number of employees that it has. A business that has a large number of employees would be considered a large business and would have a larger NAICS code.
The product of a business can also affect the size of its NAICS code. A business that produces a high-value product would have a larger NAICS code than a business that produces a low-value product. This is because the NAICS code is based on the value of the goods or services that a business produces.
The following table provides a breakdown of the relationship between product and NAICS code:
| Product | NAICS code |
|---|---|
| High-value product | Large |
| Low-value product | Small |
The product of a business is an important factor to consider when finding its NAICS number. Businesses that produce different products are more likely to have different NAICS codes, even if they are in the same industry.
FAQs
This section addresses frequently asked questions and misconceptions surrounding NAICS numbers, providing clear and informative answers for better understanding.
Question 1: What is a NAICS number?
A NAICS number (North American Industry Classification System) is a six-digit code that categorizes businesses based on their industry and size. It helps identify the specific sector, subsector, industry group, industry, national industry, and size of a business.
Question 2: Why is it important to find my NAICS number?
Your NAICS number plays a crucial role in various business processes, including industry analysis, market research, government reporting, and tax classification. It provides a standardized way to compare businesses and track industry trends.
Question 3: How do I find my NAICS number online?
You can find your NAICS number online using the U.S. Census Bureau’s NAICS Search tool. Simply enter your business’s name or description, and the tool will provide a list of potential NAICS codes. You can then select the code that best fits your business activities.
Question 4: What factors influence my NAICS number?
Several factors are considered when assigning a NAICS number, including the primary activity of your business, the products or services you offer, the number of employees, the location of your business, and the ownership structure.
Question 5: Can my NAICS number change over time?
Yes, your NAICS number may change if your business undergoes significant changes, such as a shift in primary activity, expansion into new industries, or a change in size or ownership structure. It’s important to keep your NAICS number up to date to ensure accurate classification.
Question 6: Where can I find more information about NAICS numbers?
For further information, you can refer to the U.S. Census Bureau’s website, which provides comprehensive resources and guidance on NAICS numbers. Additionally, you can consult with industry experts or business advisors for personalized assistance.
Understanding and obtaining your NAICS number is essential for effective business management and industry analysis. By utilizing the provided information and resources, you can accurately identify your NAICS number and leverage it for various business purposes.
Transition to the next article section:
With a clear understanding of NAICS numbers, let’s explore how to use them to enhance your business strategies and gain a competitive edge.
Tips to Find Your NAICS Number Efficiently
Determining your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) number is crucial for various business purposes. Here are some effective tips to assist you in finding your NAICS number:
Tip 1: Utilize the NAICS Search Tool
The U.S. Census Bureau provides an online NAICS Search tool that allows you to search for NAICS codes based on your business’s name, description, or keyword. This tool simplifies the process of identifying the most relevant NAICS code for your business.
Tip 2: Consider Your Primary Business Activity
The primary activity of your business plays a significant role in determining your NAICS code. Identify the core function or service that your business provides, as this will help you narrow down the possible NAICS codes.
Tip 3: Determine the Size of Your Business
The NAICS code also takes into account the size of your business. Consider the number of employees, annual revenue, or total assets of your business to determine the appropriate size classification.
Tip 4: Consult with Industry Experts
If you encounter difficulties in finding your NAICS code, consider consulting with industry experts, such as business advisors or accountants. They can provide valuable insights and assist you in selecting the most accurate NAICS code for your business.
Tip 5: Review the NAICS Manual
The U.S. Census Bureau publishes a comprehensive NAICS Manual that provides detailed information on the NAICS code system. Refer to this manual for a thorough understanding of the NAICS codes and their definitions.
Summary
By following these tips, you can effectively find your NAICS number and leverage it for various business purposes. Remember to consider the primary activity, size, and other relevant factors of your business to ensure accurate classification.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of business classification can be simplified by understanding the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) and its significance. NAICS numbers provide a standardized framework to categorize businesses based on their industry, size, and other relevant factors. This comprehensive system plays a vital role in various aspects of business, including industry analysis, market research, government reporting, and tax classification.
Accurately identifying your NAICS number is essential for effective business management and industry analysis. By utilizing the strategies outlined in this article, you can efficiently find your NAICS number and leverage it to enhance your business strategies and gain a competitive edge. Remember, staying informed about your NAICS classification ensures accurate representation and supports informed decision-making for the success and growth of your enterprise.
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