🔍Regex Recipes

ZIP/Postal Code (Generic)

Generic postal code validation with country-specific notes.

Pattern

^[A-Z0-9]{3,10}$

Explanation

Very generic pattern accepting 3-10 alphanumeric characters. Country-specific validation recommended.

Examples

US ZIP

Input

Output

✓ Match

US ZIP+4

Input

902101234

Output

✓ Match

UK Postcode

Input

SW1A1AA

Output

✓ Match

Canada

Input

K1A0B1

Output

✓ Match

Code Examples

JavaScript

// Country-specific patterns
const patterns = {
  US: /^\d{5}(-\d{4})?$/,           // 12345 or 12345-6789
  UK: /^[A-Z]{1,2}\d[A-Z\d]?\s*\d[A-Z]{2}$/i, // SW1A 1AA
  CA: /^[A-Z]\d[A-Z]\s*\d[A-Z]\d$/i,  // K1A 0B1
  DE: /^\d{5}$/,                     // 12345
  FR: /^\d{5}$/,                     // 75001
  RS: /^\d{5}$/                      // 11000
};

function validatePostal(code, country) {
  const pattern = patterns[country];
  return pattern ? pattern.test(code) : /^[A-Z0-9]{3,10}$/.test(code);
}

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💡 Tips

Use country-specific patterns when possible
UK postcodes have spaces (SW1A 1AA)
Canadian format: A1A 1A1
Consider address validation API for production

⚠️ Common Pitfalls

Postal formats vary greatly by country
Some countries don't use postal codes
Spaces and dashes vary by format
Generic pattern is very permissive