Quick answer
303 is the original 1947 Denver code and carries the most prestige, but clean numbers are scarce. 720 is the 1998 overlay covering the same area — less status, but far easier to get. Both require 10-digit dialing and are equally local. Pick 303 for prestige, 720 for availability.
303 vs 720 at a glance
| Dimension | 303 | 720 |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1947 (original Denver code) | 1998 (overlay) |
| Type | Original geographic code | Overlay on the same area |
| Coverage | Denver–Boulder metro | Denver–Boulder metro (identical geography) |
| Prestige signal | High — legacy Denver status code | Modern Denver presence |
| Availability | Scarce (heavily assigned) | Easier — newer code, more inventory |
| Dialing | 10-digit required | 10-digit required |
When to choose 303
Choose 303 when Denver prestige matters — a legacy city business, a brand that markets its number, or anyone who wants the recognizable original code. Assigned in 1947, 303 is now heavily used, so clean or memorable 303 numbers are limited and the best patterns go fast.
When 720 is the smart pick
Choose 720 when you want a genuine Denver number without hunting for scarce inventory. Introduced in 1998 as the overlay on 303, 720 covers the identical Denver–Boulder metro and reads as fully local. For most new businesses it is the practical choice — same metro, easier to get a clean number.
Why there are two codes for Denver
303 and 720 are overlay codes: two area codes stacked on the same region. Denver added 720 in 1998 because 303 was running out of numbers — 303 now has roughly 99% of its central-office prefixes assigned. A third overlay, 983, followed later. Overlays add numbering capacity without making existing 303 holders renumber — which is why every Denver call now uses 10-digit dialing.
How to get a 303 or 720 number with DialPhone
Setting up either as a virtual business number takes under 10 minutes:
- Start a free trial. Any DialPhone plan from $24/user/month — no credit card for the 14-day trial.
- Search 303 or 720 inventory. Filter available Denver numbers by code and pattern.
- Configure call handling. Set up the AI receptionist, routing, and business SMS — no hardware.
- Port an existing Denver number (optional). Free porting in 2–5 business days with zero downtime.
Related Colorado area code guides
- Read the full 303 area code guide or the 720 area code guide.
- See every Colorado code on the Colorado area codes hub.
303 vs 720 — FAQ
Is 303 better than 720?
Neither is objectively "better" — they cover the same Denver metro. 303 carries more prestige as the original 1947 code for the city, while 720 (1998) is the newer overlay that is easier to obtain. Choose 303 for status, 720 for availability.
Can I still get a 303 number?
303 is heavily assigned, so clean or vanity 303 numbers are scarce and the best patterns go quickly. 720 has more available inventory because it is the newer overlay. With DialPhone you can search both and pick whichever has the number you want.
Are 303 and 720 the same place?
Yes. 303 and 720 are overlay codes serving the identical Denver–Boulder metro area. A 720 number is just as local to Denver as a 303 number; the difference is age and prestige, not location. The newer 983 overlay also covers the same area.
Do I dial 303 and 720 numbers differently?
No. Because 720 overlays 303, all Denver calls require 10-digit dialing (area code + 7-digit number) regardless of which code you have. From anywhere in the US or Canada you dial 1 + the area code + the number.