NAICS Code Cheat‑Sheet: Decode Your Market in Minutes (2025)
Forget scrolling endless PDFs. Here’s the fast way to understand NAICS—including the digit anatomy and practical lookup strategies. Get actionable insights instantly.
1. Anatomy of a NAICS Code
Digit(s)
Meaning
Sample
1‑2
Economic Sector
51 = Information
3
Sub‑sector
512 = Publishing
4
Industry Group
5121 = Software Publishing
5
NAICS Industry
51212 = Software Publishers
6
National Detail
512120 = Software Publishers (U.S.)
Example: Apple Inc. primarily fits under 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), though some products/services may align with other NAICS codes such as 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services).
2. How to Look Up Codes
Keyword search: Use the U.S. Census Bureau’s official NAICS lookup tool for precise, authoritative results.
Competitor cross‑check: Find relevant codes by reviewing the NAICS classifications disclosed by public companies in their annual 10‑K filings, available through the SEC’s EDGAR database.
Tip: Regularly updating and verifying your NAICS classifications helps ensure accuracy for strategic planning and investment pitches.
3. Popular Founder Examples (2025)
SaaS Tool for SMEs – 518210 Data Processing & Hosting (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce)
D2C Coffee Brand – 311920 Coffee & Tea Manufacturing (e.g., Blue Bottle Coffee, La Colombe)
Marketplace for Used EVs – 441228 Used Car Dealers (e.g., Carvana, Shift)
EdTech Platform – 611420 Computer Training (e.g., Coursera, Udemy)
Health & Wellness App – 621399 Miscellaneous Health Practitioners (e.g., Headspace, Calm)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many digits should I use in an investor deck?
Use six-digit NAICS codes for maximum precision. Only use broader codes when data limitations require it.
Do NAICS codes change over time?
Yes. NAICS is updated every five years to reflect market shifts (latest revision was in 2022). Always verify your codes prior to important presentations or filings.
Can one business have multiple codes?
Absolutely. Businesses often operate in multiple industries. Allocate your revenues proportionally across relevant codes for accurate market analyses.
What's the main difference between NAICS and SIC?
SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) was replaced by NAICS to better reflect the modern economy, especially in technology and services. NAICS provides more granular and updated industry classification.
Understand key differences between NAICS and SIC codes for accurate market analysis. Compare granularity, data sources, and ideal scenarios for each...
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Tyler Sinclair
Jun 14, 2025
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