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What Are SIC Codes?
The Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system was established by the U.S. government in 1937 to enable consistent statistical analysis and reporting across industries. Each business is assigned a 4-digit numeric code based on its primary economic activity.
SIC codes are organized into major divisions — from Agriculture (0100–0999) through Public Administration (9100–9999). Within each division, codes narrow from broad sector groups down to specific industry types, providing a hierarchical taxonomy of the entire U.S. economy.
Although the NAICS system replaced SIC codes for most federal statistical purposes in 1997, SIC codes remain the dominant standard used by the SEC, OSHA, FTC, FDIC, and the vast majority of commercial data providers, banks, and sales intelligence platforms.
How Are SIC Codes Used?
Business Registration
Required when forming a corporation or LLC, applying for business licenses, or registering with state agencies.
Market Research
Segment industries for competitive analysis, size total addressable markets, and identify target verticals for outreach.
Government Reporting
Used by the SEC, IRS, Census Bureau, and other federal agencies to categorize business activity in filings and forms.
Sales Prospecting
Build targeted prospecting lists by industry vertical. Identify ideal customers by filtering on relevant SIC codes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a SIC code?
- A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is a four-digit number assigned by the U.S. government to classify business establishments by the type of economic activity they perform. Introduced in 1937, SIC codes provide a consistent framework for categorizing industries.
- How many digits does a SIC code have?
- Standard SIC codes are 4 digits long. The first two digits identify the major industry group, the third digit narrows it to a specific industry group, and the fourth digit provides the most granular classification. Some systems use 6-digit extensions for even more specific sub-classifications.
- What is the difference between 4-digit and 6-digit SIC codes?
- 4-digit SIC codes are the official government standard maintained by OSHA and other agencies. 6-digit codes are extended proprietary classifications developed by private data companies to provide finer industry granularity beyond the original SIC framework. This tool includes both.
- How do I find my company's SIC code?
- You can look up your SIC code by searching for your industry type using this tool's Description Search. For official use (SEC filings, tax forms), check your prior filings, contact the relevant agency, or search the SEC's EDGAR company search for similar public companies in your industry.
- Are SIC codes still used today?
- Yes. Despite the introduction of the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) in 1997 for statistical purposes, SIC codes remain widely used by OSHA, the SEC, the FTC, the FDIC, and many private data providers. Most B2B databases and sales intelligence tools use SIC codes for industry classification.