![\"Benefits](\"https:\/\/www.efax.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/infographic-4-Benefits-of-Using-Fax-Numbers-1024x694.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Is a Fax Number Used for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
To answer this let\u2019s take a look at a few use cases of a fax number:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sonya C. found eFax quick and convenient. Just as easy as sending an email. She said it’s an asset to her business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read All eFax Reviews!<\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A fax number is used for sending and receiving documents. It offers an alternative to snail mail, email and other file-sharing methods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But why choose a fax number over something like email? Here are a few use cases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditionally, fax numbers allow two fax machines to communicate and transmit information through audible tones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A fax machine is plugged into a physical telephone line. When you dial a fax number<\/a> to send a document, the fax machine \u2018calls\u2019 the other fax machine and uses a shared language of audile tones to \u2018read\u2019 the document. The receiving machine then prints out the transmitted language.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Online faxing is now becoming more popular, removing the dependence on physical machines. It uses a dedicated fax phone number to virtually transmit documents, with no physical connections needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fax numbers have the same format <\/a>as regular telephone numbers. In the United States, that means your fax number would have the same 10-digit format that standard phone numbers have. The first three digits of a fax number would still be the area code, while the last seven digits would be the actual number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For international faxes, the number might not have the 10-digit format. It depends on how phone numbers are structured in that country. For example, U.K. numbers include 11 digits, not 10.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You would also need to add the country code to the international fax number, just like you would for phone calls. The country code is the + symbol, followed by the geographical code assigned to your country. To send a fax to a U.S. fax number (from outside the country), just add a +1. Likewise, you must add +44 to fax to the U.K., +99 to fax to India and +52 to fax to Mexico. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you don\u2019t know the country code for the recipient\u2019s location, you can look it up with a quick online search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fax numbers aren\u2019t random phone numbers. You can get dedicated fax numbers with a specific area code corresponding to your business\u2019s location. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Businesses with a local clientele might prefer a fax number with a local area code to boost trust with their clients. Or, companies with multiple locations might select a local fax number<\/a> for each branch. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Larger companies might prefer a toll-free fax number<\/a> for their diverse customer base. Toll-free numbers typically help build trust with clients, showing them that they are a well-established business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since fax numbers and phone numbers have the same format, does that mean they\u2019re the same thing? <\/p>\n\n\n\n A fax number is, technically, a regular phone number. To work, fax machines must be connected to a physical telephone line. If you plug a phone into that landline instead of a fax machine, it would work for calls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some companies have even used the same number for faxes and calls, although that is no longer common practice. You could technically call a fax number and talk to a person or send a fax to that same number. The downside, of course, is that businesses couldn\u2019t call and receive a fax at the same time. And if they picked up the phone on an incoming fax, it would stop the transmission. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s no way to differentiate between a telephone and a fax number just by looking at them. They have the exact same format, with an area code and country code (for international communication). <\/p>\n\n\n\n Companies usually label their telephone numbers so you don\u2019t have to guess. You might find something like this on their website or business card:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t find that information, you can try calling the number. You likely won\u2019t get through to a person if it\u2019s a fax number because businesses typically keep their fax and calling lines separate now. However, if you call a fax number connected to a physical fax machine, a machine will answer with a series of beeps.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An online fax number is the same as an analog one but without the physical telephone line. You don\u2019t need to plug your fax machine into the landline \u2014 in fact, you don\u2019t even need a fax machine at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead, virtual fax numbers let you send and receive faxes anywhere and anytime. By getting an online fax number through a company like eFax, your phone, tablet, computer or laptop can become a fax machine. And the best part is that your recipient doesn\u2019t need to have a virtual fax number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can send a fax to any other fax number, even if it\u2019s connected to a fax machine. Customers, clients and colleagues can also use a physical fax machine to send documents to your virtual fax number. You won\u2019t physically receive the file like with a fax machine, but it will arrive in your inbox within minutes \u2014 if not seconds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Virtual fax number formats<\/a> are the exact same as a traditional fax number \u2014 and, therefore, a standard phone number. With online faxing companies like eFax, you can request any type of fax number: international, toll-free or local.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone can get a fax number <\/a>\u2014 and it only takes a couple of minutes with online faxing provider eFax. But before exploring that option, here\u2019s how to get a traditional fax number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Traditional faxing depends on a physical telephone line connected to your fax machine. Unfortunately, landlines are now becoming less common, both for individuals at home and large businesses. It\u2019s no longer the norm to have phone jacks in every room. <\/p>\n\n\n\n That may mean you need to get a landline and phone jack installed in your home or office to start faxing. When you contact your phone company to get the landline installed, you can discuss your options for a fax number. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, if you already have a landline phone installed, you can switch that to fax by plugging the fax machine into the phone jack. If, for some reason, you don\u2019t know what the number is for that line, you can call your cell phone from that line before connecting your fax machine. The number will appear on your phone screen. Once you plug the fax machine into that phone line, that number will be your new fax number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Getting a traditional fax number can be a bit of a hassle if you don\u2019t yet have a traditional landline. Thankfully, there\u2019s a simpler option: online fax numbers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With providers like eFax, you can find a fax number<\/a> in less than five minutes. Just go to eFax\u2019s website<\/a> and start a trial. The first thing you\u2019ll see is a suggested fax number based on your location, plus the option to select a custom fax number (toll-free, local or international). Pick the one you want, fill in your personal information and that\u2019s it. You have a virtual fax number.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Discover the modern way to fax effortlessly<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Quickly getting a fax number is just one of the many benefits that eFax offers. Another benefit is the increased flexibility in document-sharing workflows. To get started with faxing online, check out this guide on how to fax online with eFax<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve created your account, you can start faxing right from your email, the eFax mobile app, the Messenger desktop app and even a Word doc. Make sure to give people your virtual fax number so they can send you faxes as well. You\u2019ll get a notification in your email and eFax account as soon as the fax arrives, allowing you to handle correspondences immediately from anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ready to see for yourself how easy it is to get a virtual fax number? Start with eFax today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHow Does a Fax Number Work?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nDecoding the Different Fax Number Formats<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
International Fax Numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Toll-Free vs. Local Fax Numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Fax Numbers vs. Phone Numbers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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How to Tell If a Number Is a Fax Number?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nUnderstanding Online Fax Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Online Fax Number Format<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Get a Fax Number?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Traditional Fax Number<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Virtual Fax Number<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nWhy Choose eFax for Your Faxing Needs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\t\n\tFAQs Around Fax Number<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
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