Phone parser and formatter
What is a Phone Parser And Formatter?
Phone numbers are entered in countless ways: with or without the country code, with spaces, dashes, brackets or a leading zero. Storing them inconsistently breaks SMS delivery, deduplication and click-to-call links. This tool parses a number, validates it against the numbering rules of its country and shows it in standard formats.
How to use it
- Enter the phone number.
- Choose the default country if the number has no international prefix.
- Read whether it is valid, its type, country and formatted versions.
Example
The UK number 020 7946 0018, with GB as default country, gives:
- E.164:
+442079460018 - International:
+44 20 7946 0018 - National:
020 7946 0018 - RFC 3966 URI:
tel:+44-20-7946-0018 - Type: fixed line
Why E.164 matters
E.164 is the international standard format: a plus sign, the country calling code and the national number, with no spaces and at most 15 digits. Store numbers in E.164 in your database and format them only for display. SMS gateways like Twilio and WhatsApp APIs require it.
Common pitfalls
- Trunk prefix: the leading 0 in national numbers (UK, India, Germany) is dropped in international format.
- Valid vs. possible: a number can have the right length but use an unassigned range.
- Line type (mobile, fixed, VoIP, toll-free) helps decide whether SMS is possible, but number portability means it is not always certain.
- Validation confirms format only, not that the number is in service; use an OTP to verify ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is E.164 format?
The international phone number format: a plus sign, country code and national number without spaces, for example +442079460018.
Why is my number invalid?
It may be missing the country code, contain too many or too few digits, or use a range that is not assigned in that country.
Should I store phone numbers with spaces?
No. Store them in E.164 and format them for display only.
Does validation prove the number works?
No. It checks the format and numbering plan. Send a verification code to confirm the number is reachable.