What is a SIC code directory used for?

Standard Industrial Classification codes are used to identify specific types of businesses when they file with the Security and Exchange Commission. They also help to promote uniformity of statistical data collected and analyzed by governmental agencies and private organizations.

The U.S. government assigns four-digit numbers to businesses to identify the primary line of business of the organization. All companies have a primary SIC code. The SIC code system classifies businesses into 11 divisions. Those divisions divided into 83 two-digit major groups, which are further subdivided into 416 three-digit industry groups. Industry groups are then broken down into 1,005 four-digit industries.