AI-generated Key Takeaways
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This guide provides formatting instructions for phone numbers in technical documentation, using HTML or Markdown.
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Use non-breaking spaces and hyphens (
,‑) to ensure phone numbers are displayed on a single line. -
For example phone numbers, utilize the reserved range (800) 555‑0100 through (800) 555‑0199 and avoid real numbers.
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Adhere to specific formatting guidelines for North American and international phone numbers, including country and area codes when applicable.
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When including extensions, follow the phone number with the word "extension" and the corresponding number.
This page describes how to use and format phone numbers in technical documentation. This page doesn't provide guidance on how to enter or use phone numbers in Google or third-party products. If you need information about entering phone numbers in a specific product, consult the product documentation or contact product support.
Use example phone numbers
Most phone numbers in our documentation are examples. To show an example phone number, use a US number in the range 800‑555‑0100 through 800‑555‑0199. That range is reserved for use in examples and in fiction.
Never use a real phone number in examples.
Format phone numbers in HTML or Markdown
To ensure that a phone number is displayed on the same line, use a nonbreaking hyphen
(‑) where appropriate in HTML or Markdown.
Example
415‑555‑0132
HTML
415‑555‑0132
Markdown
415‑555‑0132
Format North American phone numbers
To format a real phone number in the US, Canada, and other NANP (North American Numbering Plan) countries, use a nonbreaking hyphen to separate the area code, three-digit exchange code, and four-digit number.
Recommended: 415‑555‑0132
Format international phone numbers
To format a real phone number in non-NANP countries, include the country and area codes. Insert a plus sign immediately before the country code (no space); the plus sign stands in for a prefix known as an exit code, which lets you dial out of a country. Each country has a different exit code.
For more information, see the ITU document about standardized formatting for phone numbers.
Recommended: +1‑415‑555‑0132
Format phone numbers that include an extension
To specify a phone extension, follow the phone number with the word extension, and then specify the extension number.
Recommended: 415‑555‑0132, extension 987