
Canada's postal code format is a unique and standardized system that helps mail carriers efficiently deliver mail and packages across the country. It's made up of six characters, divided into three parts: a forward sortation area (FSA), a local delivery limit (LDL), and a postal code extension (PCE).
The first three characters of a Canadian postal code represent the FSA, which is used to sort mail at a regional level. This is the most visible part of the postal code and is often used as a standalone identifier.
The next three characters represent the LDL, which is used to further sort mail at a local level. This part of the postal code is often used to identify specific neighborhoods or postal routes within a FSA.
The final character is the PCE, which is used to identify a specific postal route or delivery point within an LDL. This is the most precise part of the postal code and is used to deliver mail to a specific address.
Canadian Postal Code Format

A Canadian postal code has six alphanumeric characters, with a single space after the first three characters. This format is consistent throughout the country.
The first character in a postal code represents the province, or part of a province, or territory. It's a crucial piece of information that helps sort mail efficiently.
The first set of three characters, known as the Forward Sortation Area or FSA, provides the basic geographic sorting for mail. This is the part that helps postal workers get your mail to the right region.
The second set of characters, the Local Delivery Unit or LDU, is even more specific, indicating a small rural community or a location as specific as an individual building. This is what helps get your mail to the right house or office.
In address labels, postal codes should be placed on the same line as the name of the municipality and abbreviation of the province or territory. Two spaces should separate the postal code from the province abbreviation.
Understanding Canadian Postal Code Rules
A Canadian postal code has six alphanumeric characters, with a single space after the first three characters.
The first character represents the province, or part of a province, or territory.
The first three characters are the Forward Sortation Area or FSA, which provides the basic geographic sorting for mail.
A postal code can indicate a small rural community or in urban areas a location as specific as an individual building.
The first set of characters is the FSA, while the second set is the Local Delivery Unit or LDU.
The format of a Canadian postal code is ANA NAN, where A is a capital letter of the alphabet and N is a number.
Address Label and Format
When writing a Canadian address on an address label, it's essential to get the format right. The postal code should be placed on the same line as the name of the municipality and abbreviation of province or territory.

In address labels, the postal code should be separated from the province abbreviation by two spaces. This is a crucial detail to keep in mind when addressing mail.
The postal code should be written in the format of "K1A 0A6", as seen in the example for Ottawa. This is a standard format that ensures your mail reaches its destination efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a 5 digit zip code in Canada?
No, Canada does not have 5-digit zip codes. Instead, Canada Post uses 6-character postal codes that alternate between letters and numbers.
Sources
- https://www.canadapost-postescanada.ca/cpc/en/support/articles/addressing-guidelines/postal-codes.page
- https://medium.com/@michaeltvu/regular-expression-in-r-how-to-capture-canadian-postal-code-7f34c0be6c01
- https://stackoverflow.com/questions/16614648/canadian-postal-code-regex
- https://www.thoughtco.com/postal-codes-for-canada-510814
- https://www.swiftestimator.com/SE7Help/CE/help/Miscellaneous/Using_Canadian_Postal_Codes.htm
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