Letters With Numbers on Phone
Every digit from 2 to 9 carries letters on the phone keypad — 2 ABC, 3 DEF, 4 GHI, 5 JKL, 6 MNO, 7 PQRS, 8 TUV, 9 WXYZ. See how to read a word number aloud.
The letters behind the digits
On a telephone keypad, the digits from 2 to 9 each carry a group of letters: 2 corresponds to ABC, 3 to DEF, 4 to GHI, 5 to JKL, 6 to MNO, 7 to PQRS, 8 to TUV and 9 to WXYZ. The 1 and 0 positions carry no letters in this layout. That grouping is what allows a business number to carry a word — the product listed here as a Phoneword.
Reading one aloud is the same exercise in reverse: take the digits after the prefix, match each to its letter group, and the readable word appears. This site's own number is the canonical example — 1300 327 934 spells 1300 EASY DIAL.
How many letters fit on each number type
The prefix digits do not convert, which is what sets the limits:
- 13 Phonewords: up to 4 letters.
- 1300 Phonewords: up to 6 letters.
- 1800 Phonewords: up to 6 letters.
A word longer than the limit cannot be spelled, and words with letters that fall on a single-digit run — like a repeated letter — may not map cleanly. Both are worth checking before falling in love with a spelling.
From reading to owning
Decoding a word number is easy; finding an available one is the scarce part. Desirable spellings are limited, so run your candidates through Find a Number, which searches the available 1300/1800 Phoneword pool. A result is not a reservation — availability and price are confirmed through sign-up, with Phoneword pricing starting from $40 per month and the word's desirability affecting it. Published 1300 and 1800 plans start at $10 per month on the pricing page. The Phonewords overview covers the product.
Letter-and-number questions
Which numbers have letters on them?
2 through 9: 2 ABC, 3 DEF, 4 GHI, 5 JKL, 6 MNO, 7 PQRS, 8 TUV, 9 WXYZ. The 1 and 0 keys carry no letters in this layout.
How do I read a word number back into digits?
Match each letter to its digit group and key the digits in — dialling is identical to the numeric form.
Why can a 13 word only have 4 letters?
Because the 13 prefix is digits; only the remaining positions convert to letters. 1300 and 1800 leave up to 6 letter positions.
Do all businesses use word numbers?
No — many run standard 1300/1800 numbers starting at $10 per month and put the brand elsewhere. A word number suits businesses that want the number itself to carry the brand.
Can I check several words at once?
Search them one at a time with Find a Number, or call the team on 1300 327 934 with a shortlist.
Reading word numbers
See what a word number says
Search available 1300/1800 Phonewords, or contact the team about what is available.