Why are Canada postal codes not 5 digit like in the U.S.? (credit card, calculating)

[Mumsen]

Originally Posted by PostSecularist

One could pose the opposite question, why are US zip codes not 6 character numbers and letters like in Canada?

Because 12345 is easier to write and remember than A1A H2A

[CSD610]

Originally Posted by Mumsen

How come Canadian postal (zip) codes are letters and numbers like in the UK, instead of 5 digit number like the southern neighbor?

I know phone numbers in the US and Canada are the same, and same address format, but postal code is different. I prefer the US zip code since it is easier to remember and write.

Mainly because they are Canada and not the US however, it could be that Canada has Provinces not States.

[katzpaw]

Canadian postal codes are alphanumeric and easier for Excel and computers to handle - as opposed to leading zero codes with minus signs like 08803-1234.

It makes no sense for Canada to use the same 6 digit codes as the US, there would be all sorts of misdirected mail.

[theunbrainwashed]

Originally Posted by Mumsen

Because 12345 is easier to write and remember than A1A H2A

For you, maybe. Canadians don't seem to have an issue at all

[canadian citizen]

I would suggest that Canadians are more flexible, when it comes comes to using their imagination, after all we did invent the internet. And star trek.

Jim B

Toronto.

[jambo101]

Originally Posted by Mumsen

Because 12345 is easier to write and remember than A1A H2A

While your example of 12345 may be easy to remember Canadians in general arent really challenged on a mental level in the remembering of a 5 digit sequence or a 6 digit sequence.
As for why they are numbered the way they are? who knows?,who cares? if its that important for you to know go have a talk with the post office.

[micheljohni]

Because The number has only numeric value thats why it has value oniy12345 not ASD.

[BMI]

Interestingly, yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the US ZIP CODE.
Due to population increase since then, some urban US Zips have extra dash and four more numbers.

I think that the Canadian postal code system only started in the early 1970's
I like it better, though most countries seem to have postal code systems modeled after the US,
including China with 6 digit all numeric, Japan and India 7 digit all numeric.

[theunbrainwashed]

Originally Posted by BMI

Interestingly, yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the US ZIP CODE.
Due to population increase since then, some urban US Zips have extra dash and four more numbers.

I think that the Canadian postal code system only started in the early 1970's
I like it better, though most countries seem to have postal code systems modeled after the US,
including China with 6 digit all numeric, Japan and India 7 digit all numeric.

Australia's is also modeled after the US, but with 4 digits only

[Natnasci]

Originally Posted by jambo101

While your example of 12345 may be easy to remember Canadians in general arent really challenged on a mental level in the remembering of a 5 digit sequence or a 6 digit sequence.
As for why they are numbered the way they are? who knows?,who cares? if its that important for you to know go have a talk with the post office.

Earlier post explain what the lettering and numbering stand for.