Ever found yourself wondering, "What is that business up to?" or "What does this industry do?" The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) can help you answer these questions. NAICS codes are five-digit numbers that categorize business establishments based on the type of economic activity they engage in. But how do you look up a NAICS code? Let's dive in.
Before we start, it's essential to understand that NAICS codes are used by government agencies, businesses, and researchers to collect, analyze, and publish statistical data. They're a powerful tool for understanding the economy and making informed decisions. So, let's learn how to use them.
Using the U.S. Census Bureau's NAICS Association Tool
The U.S. Census Bureau provides an easy-to-use NAICS Association Tool on its website. This tool allows you to search for NAICS codes by keyword, industry title, or code. Here's how to use it:
Step 1: Visit the NAICS Association Tool.
Step 2: In the search bar, type the keyword, industry title, or NAICS code you're looking for. For example, if you're looking for the NAICS code for 'restaurants', you can type 'restaurant' in the search bar.
Searching by Keyword
When you search by keyword, the tool will provide you with a list of related NAICS codes and industry titles. Each result will also show the code's sector, subsector, industry group, and NAICS industry title.
For instance, if you search for 'restaurant', you'll find 'Full-Service Restaurants' with the NAICS code 722511, or 'Limited-Service Restaurants' with the NAICS code 722513.
Searching by NAICS Code
You can also search directly by NAICS code. For example, if you know you're looking for the industry title for NAICS code 722511, you can type '722511' in the search bar. The tool will return 'Full-Service Restaurants'.
This feature is particularly useful when you have a list of NAICS codes and need to look up their corresponding industry titles.
Browsing the NAICS Manual
If you prefer a more structured approach, you can browse the NAICS Manual. The manual is organized hierarchically, with sectors at the top, followed by subsectors, industry groups, and NAICS industries. Here's how to navigate it:
Step 1: Visit the NAICS Manual.
Step 2: Click on the sector you're interested in. For example, if you're looking for NAICS codes in the 'Accommodation and Food Services' sector, click on '21'.
Navigating the Hierarchy
Once you've selected a sector, you'll see a list of its subsectors. Click on a subsector to view its industry groups, and then click on an industry group to view the NAICS industries within it. Each NAICS industry will have its five-digit code listed.
For instance, if you're looking for NAICS codes in the 'Accommodation' subsector (551), you'll find 'Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels' with the NAICS code 721110, or 'Bed-and-Breakfast Inns and Other Short-Term Rentals' with the NAICS code 721191.
Using the NAICS Manual for a Broad Overview
The NAICS Manual provides a comprehensive overview of the economy. If you're new to NAICS codes or need a broad understanding of an industry, browsing the manual can be a useful starting point.
For example, if you're interested in the 'Healthcare and Social Assistance' sector (62), you can browse its subsectors, industry groups, and NAICS industries to gain a detailed understanding of the sector's composition.
In today's data-driven world, understanding NAICS codes is a vital skill. Whether you're a business owner, a researcher, or a government agency, knowing how to look up NAICS codes can provide valuable insights. So, the next time you're curious about an industry, don't hesitate to look up its NAICS code. Happy exploring!