SIC Code Lookup — Free SEC EDGAR Industry Code Tool

The SIC Code Lookup tool searches all Standard Industrial Classification codes used in SEC EDGAR filings, IRS tax forms, and business registrations. Enter a keyword, industry name, or 4-digit SIC code to find the correct classification for any business.

Quick Answer: A SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) code is a 4-digit number used by the SEC and IRS to classify companies by primary business activity. Use this free tool to look up any SIC code by industry keyword or 4-digit number.

🏭 Search by Industry Name or 4-Digit SIC Code

💡 SIC codes classify industries, not companies. Search by activity (software, banking) — to find a specific company's SIC code, use the Company Search.

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Data sourced from SEC EDGAR SIC Code List · Browse full list

What Is a SIC Code?

A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code is a 4-digit number that categorizes businesses by their primary business activity. The U.S. government uses SIC codes for statistical analysis, regulatory oversight, and economic research. The SEC requires every company that files with EDGAR to have a SIC code on file, making it the primary industry classification system for all publicly traded companies in the United States.

SIC codes were developed in the 1930s and were last formally revised in 1987. Despite being superseded by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) for many federal statistical purposes, SIC codes remain the standard in SEC filings, OSHA reporting, and several other regulatory contexts. The SEC maintains its own SIC code list, which is the version used in EDGAR and referenced by this tool.

How SIC Codes Are Structured

SIC codes use a 4-digit hierarchical structure. The first digit represents the major division (e.g., all codes starting with 7 are in Division I — Services). The first two digits represent the major group (e.g., 73 is Business Services). The full 4-digit code specifies the precise industry class.

For example, SIC code 7372 (Prepackaged Software) breaks down as: Division I (Services) > Major Group 73 (Computer Programming, Data Processing) > Industry 7372 (Prepackaged Software). This is the SIC code used by companies like Microsoft, Oracle, and Salesforce in their EDGAR filings.

Common SIC Codes by Industry

Technology companies dominate many SEC filings. The most frequently occurring SIC codes in EDGAR include: 7372 (Prepackaged Software), 3674 (Semiconductors), 7371 (Computer Programming), 3661 (Telephone Apparatus), 4813 (Telephone Communications), and 3577 (Computer Peripheral Equipment). Pharmaceutical and biotech companies commonly use 2836 (Biological Products) and 2835 (Diagnostic Substances). Financial institutions use codes in the 6000-6999 range.

How to Find a Company's SIC Code

Every company in SEC EDGAR has a SIC code associated with its registration. You can find it by searching for the company in our Company Filing Search tool — the SIC code appears in the company header information. You can also look up the company's most recent 10-K or annual report, where the SIC code is listed on the cover page. The SEC also provides a bulk company data file at data.sec.gov that includes SIC codes for all registrants.

How to Use This Tool in 3 Steps

Enter an Industry Name or 4-Digit SIC Code

Type an industry keyword like 'software', 'pharmaceutical', or 'banking'. The tool searches across all SIC code descriptions.

If you already have a 4-digit SIC code (e.g., 7372), enter it to jump straight to the matching industry.

Filter by Division (Optional)

Narrow your search to a specific SIC division — Manufacturing, Finance, Services, Retail, etc.

There are 11 SIC divisions covering the entire U.S. economy from agriculture to public administration.

Review the Match with NAICS Equivalent

Results show the 4-digit SIC code, full industry description, division, and the equivalent modern NAICS code.

Click 'Browse full list' to see all 1,004+ SIC codes organized by division.

What Is the SIC Lookup For?

SIC codes (Standard Industrial Classification) are the 4-digit codes the SEC uses to categorize every public company by industry. Knowing the right SIC code is essential for SEC filings, business registration, and industry analysis.

For Business Owners

SEC registration — find the correct SIC code for IPO filings
Tax filings — IRS forms often require a SIC code
Business licenses — many state registrations use SIC
Market research — identify competitors by industry classification
Trade publications — find industry-specific resources

For Analysts & Researchers

Industry analysis — group companies by SIC for peer comparison
Sector screening — filter SEC filings by industry
Academic research — classify companies for empirical studies
Investment research — find all software firms (SIC 7372)
Compliance reviews — verify classification on SEC filings

Frequently Asked Questions about SIC Code Lookup — Free SEC EDGAR Industry Code Tool

What is a SIC code used for?

SIC codes classify businesses by primary industry for regulatory, statistical, and tax purposes. The SEC requires every EDGAR registrant to have a SIC code. The IRS uses SIC codes for business tax reporting. OSHA uses them for workplace safety statistics. They are also used for market research and competitive analysis.

What is the SIC code for software companies?

Software companies most commonly use SIC code 7372 (Prepackaged Software). Companies providing computer programming services use 7371. Cloud computing and SaaS companies often use 7374 (Computer Processing and Data Preparation) or 7372 depending on their primary revenue model.

Are SIC codes still used in 2026?

Yes. While NAICS codes have largely replaced SIC codes for federal statistical agencies, the SEC still requires SIC codes for all EDGAR filings. The IRS also continues to use SIC codes for certain reporting. SIC codes remain the standard classification system for SEC regulatory purposes.

What is the difference between SIC and NAICS codes?

SIC codes are 4-digit codes developed in the 1930s and last revised in 1987. NAICS codes are 6-digit codes developed in 1997 for use by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. NAICS provides more granular classification for newer industries (especially technology and services). The SEC uses SIC; the Census Bureau uses NAICS. See our NAICS vs SIC guide for a full comparison.

How do I find the right SIC code for my business?

Search this tool by your primary business activity description. Review the results and select the code that most closely matches your primary revenue-generating activity — not secondary activities. If you file with the SEC, the SIC code is assigned based on the business description in your registration filing. For IRS purposes, the IRS publishes its own SIC code table in the Instructions for Form 990.

Can a company have multiple SIC codes?

Companies have one primary SIC code in SEC EDGAR, representing their dominant business activity. However, a company may operate in multiple industries. Conglomerates are typically classified under the SIC code of their largest revenue segment. Analysts often look at multiple subsidiary SIC codes when analyzing diversified companies.

What is SIC code 6770?

SIC code 6770 (Blank Checks) is used by special purpose acquisition companies (SPACs) and blank check companies — entities that raise capital through an IPO with no specific business plan. This SIC code has become increasingly common in EDGAR filings as the SPAC market grew in 2020-2022.

Disclaimer: Data sourced from SEC EDGAR public filings via the official EDGAR API (data.sec.gov). This tool is for informational purposes only and is not financial or investment advice. Always verify data directly on SEC.gov.