# ZIP Code Lookup

> zip code lookup that returns the city, state, county, and timezone for any US ZIP code instantly. Free, private, runs entirely in your browser, no signup.

- **Canonical URL:** https://boringtoolskit.com/zip-code-lookup-calculator/
- **Category:** Converters
- **Evidence level:** authored-methodology
- **Reviewed:** July 26, 2026
- **Last verified:** 2026-10-12
- **Privacy:** Inputs and results stay in this browser unless the page clearly labels an external request.

## How it works

The tool performs a direct table lookup rather than a calculation. It matches the 5-digit ZIP code you enter against the first field of each row in its reference table, then returns that row's city, county, state abbreviation, latitude, and longitude. A code with no matching row returns a no-result message.

## Worked example

Enter 35020 and the tool matches the row 35020~Bessemer~Jefferson~AL~33.5174~-86.812, so it returns Bessemer, Jefferson County, Alabama, at latitude 33.5174 and longitude -86.8120.

## Assumptions

- The ZIP code entered is a valid 5-digit USPS code that exists in the tool's built-in reference dataset.
- Each ZIP code returns one primary record, since the dataset stores a single city, county, state, and coordinate pair per code.
- Latitude and longitude mark the geographic center of the ZIP code area, not a specific street address.

## Common questions

### What information does a ZIP code lookup return?

It returns the city, county, state abbreviation, latitude, and longitude stored for the code you enter. The tool reads these values from a reference table formatted as ZIP code, city, county, state, latitude, and longitude.

### Why does my ZIP code map to a city I do not recognize?

The USPS assigns ZIP codes to delivery routes rather than to city limits, so a code can be named for a post office, a nearby community, or a general delivery point instead of the city printed on your mail.

### How accurate are the latitude and longitude values?

They represent the center point of the ZIP code area, which is accurate enough for map markers, distance estimates, and regional analysis, but they will not place a pin on a specific building.

## Related tools

- /time-zone-converter/

## Sources

- [ZIP Code Lookup](https://tools.usps.com/go/ZipLookupAction_input.htm)
- [Gazetteer Files, including ZIP Code Tabulation Areas](https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html)

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