Question

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A comprehensive regex for phone number validation

Perhaps a forgiving JavaScript solution would only make sure that only valid characters are allowed. (digits, dashes, periods, letters for extension.

Although loop seems best, is there a simple regular expression that checks for valid characters?

Answer 1

A regular expression is just javascript, not jQuery. What is the format you seek? How many letters are allowed in the extension? I could look it up, but it would help greatly if you would do that. It seems numbers from 7 to 11 digits are allowed.

It is nice to allow users to enter phone numbers in block of 3 or 4 characters because it is much easier for them to read, like:

914-499-1900

or

914 499 1900

or similar. Trim the spaces for validation or storage if you like.

For the above formats exactly:

function testPhoneNumber(phoneNumber) {
  var re = /^\d{3}[- ]?\d{3}[- ]?\d{4}$/;
  return re.test(phoneNumber);
}

Or you can remove unnecessary but allowed characters and test what remains:

function testPhoneNumber(phoneNumber) {
  var re = /^\d{10}$/;
  return re.test(phoneNumber.replace(/[ -+]/g,''));
}

But these don’t allow for extension. If you provide the format, the regular expression part is easy.