How to Convert SIC Codes to NAICS

In 1997, the North American Industry Classification System replaced the Standard Industrial Code. U.S. federal agencies use NAICS for the collection, tabulation, analysis and presentation of economic statistics. Nonstatistical uses include administrative, regulatory, contractual and taxation. Mexico, Canada and the United States developed NAICS jointly. It is a six-digit hierarchical classification system with five levels of detail. Digits one and two designate the economic sector, digit three designates the subsector, digit four designates the industry group, digit five designates NAICS industry and digit six designates the national industry.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Browser
• Internet access

Instructions

1. Go to the NAICS Association website. Enter a SIC code in the SIC Code Search box.

2. Click "SIC Search."

3. Examine the search results. Select the best match for the NAICS code. For example, if a book publisher had the SIC code 2731, its NAICS code is 511130.

Tips & Warnings

• Because SIC codes have fewer digits than NAICS codes, they do not correspond one-on-one. The NAICS code classification of a company will be more specific than its SIC code classification.

References

• Department of Labor: SIC Division Structure
• Census Bureau: North American Industry Classification System, 2007
• NAICS Association: NAICS & SIC Code Lookup