International Morse Code:

Below are the characters most commonly used in amateur radio. There are additional letters, punctuations, and prosigns that are defined to support other languages and use cases. A more comprehensive list of characters can be found here.

Do NOT memorize the sequence of dits and dahs as an aid in receiving Morse code. However, you may find the representation of the characters useful for a short window in your journey as you learn to send Morse code, which should ideally happen after you have achieved some proficiency in receiving Morse code. Please see the Advice Page for more details.

Prosigns have special meanings. <AR> signifies the end of a message. <BT> signifies a new paragraph or break between thoughts. It can be used to fill a pause while the sender thinks of what to send next. <HH> means that a mistake has been made in sending. It is followed by a short pause and the corrected word. <KN> is used to invite a specific station to transmit. <SK> signifies the end of a contact and the last transmission of the sender.

Note that prosigns, although often written as two letters for convenience, should be sent as one contiguous sequence with no letter space. So for example, if a letter space is added within the <BT> symbol, it becomes the letter B followed by the letter T, which could cause confusion and be a sign of poor sending.

Timing:

The dot is the basic unit of duration that defines all other elements. As an analogy, the dot would be the tempo in music. Shorten the dot, and everything else must be shortened too. The following are the basic timing rules.

• A dot is 1 time unit.
• A dash is 3 time units.
• The space between symbols (dots and dashes) of the same letter is 1 time unit.
• The space between letters is 3 time units.
• The space between words is 7 time units.

Feel free to experiment below by dragging the slider around to see the effect of timing at a certain speed. Note that at 24wpm, two characters per second are sent. This is why ICR (Instant Character Recognition) is essential for head-copying at higher speeds.

Words Per Minute (WPM):	20ms
Characters Per Minute (CPM):	20ms
Characters Per Second:	20ms
Dot:	20ms
Dash:	20ms
Inter-character space:	20ms
Inter-word space:	20ms
Slow Fast

Koch Method:

The Koch Method is a learning technique named after German psychologist Ludwig Koch. With this method, the full target speed is used, starting with just two letters. Once strings containing those two characters can be copied with 90% accuracy, an additional character is added. This step is repeated until the full character set is mastered. Typically students start at 20wpm.

Farnsworth Method:

The Farnsworth method is a learning technique named after Donald R. "Russ" Farnsworth (F6TTB). With this method, people are taught to copy characters at their full target speed, that is with normal relative timing of the dots and dashes within each symbol. However, spacing is lengthed between characters and words, which gives the student time to think about the sound pattern they just heard. Typically students start with a character speed of 20 wpm and an effective speed of 10wpm. Also, like the Koch method, students start with two characters and continue to add characters as soon as they reach 90% accuracy.

Levels of copy proficiency:

1. Conscious decoding of Dits and Dahs: At this level of proficiency, you actively listen for the dits and dahs. Once there is a word or inter-word space, the sequence of dits and dahs is looked up in your conscious mind to identify the character being sent. If you find yourself repeating the sound pattern in your mind, you may also be at this level.

Because the conscious mind is so much slower than the unconscious mind, most people will be unable to go faster than 10 to 13 words a minute. This roadblock is why the general advice is to use either the Farnsworth or Koch method to learn the sound pattern of characters and skip this level.

And if you learn Morse code at 5wpm will inevitably get stuck here. Some people get stuck for years despite heroic efforts to overcome it. (If you have gotten stuck, don't despair there is a way forward.)

2. Instant Character Recognition: At this level of proficiency, the unconscious mind is doing the hard work of instantly recognizing each letter as it is sent. The characters are recognized instantly and effortlessly.

The slow, conscious mind is still involved in the copying process. But in this case, each word is followed letter by letter. At this level, most people will not be able to go faster than 20 to 30wpm. (The exact limit depends on a variety of factors.) If you copy by hand or keyboard, you will not progress beyond this level of proficiency. If you are head copying, this level of proficiency is sometimes described as the process of affixing letters on a blank blackboard in the mind’s eye as each letter is received. Then you read what is on the board. This description is more of an analogy.

3. Instant Word Recognition: The unconscious mind does most of the hard work. You hear the sound pattern of entire words as a whole, and you effortless recognize the word. This level of proficiency often allows users to achieve speeds of 60 wpm or greater with enough practice.

People who have Instant Character Recognition often have some ability to recognize words instantly. It is common to learn the sound pattern of CQ, 599, and your callsign without trying. Transitioning from the previous level of proficiency to this one is more of a spectrum. You can think of gaining proficiency at this level, as building up a vocabulary of sound patterns.

4. Focus on the meaning: The unconscious mind is doing all of the hard work! The conscious mind is free to focus on the meaning of what is being sent entirely. This level of proficiency is the nirvana that most aspire to achieve.

Sending Proficiency:

For successful communication, strive for a high level of sending proficiency. Consider evaluating yourself or having an experienced CW operator evaluate your sending across these five criteria. It will provide critical feedback on where to focus your improvement efforts.

Attribution goes to Gary ZL2IFB. With his permission, I have reproduced this chart. Please consider reading his FOC Guide to Morse Code Proficiency for an in-depth review on Speed, Timing, and much more!

RST (Readability Signal Tone):

Signal reports are helpful for quickly communicating how well both stations are receiving each other. For CW, the report is composed of three numbers — Readability, Signal, and Tone. The most common reports are 559 and 339. The first RST of 559 indicates an extremely strong signal that is perfectly copyable with perfect tone. In contrast, an RST 339 indicates a readable signal with some difficulty while copying a weak signal with perfect tone.

Signal and Tone numbers range from 1 to 9, while Readability ranges from 1 to 5. On occasion, an additional letter is appended to the RST. C indicates there is a Chirp, such as 559C. The letter A indicates Aurora fluter. And the letter K indicates a problem with key clicks.

Because S-meters are rarely calibrated, consider describing the Signal strength relative to your band noise, QRM, and other stations. Anything below 5 means you are having trouble hearing the other station. Strength 5, 6, or 7 means that the other station is above the general noise. S8 means the signal is well above the noise, and S9 is strong.

In contests, an RST of 599 is virtually always used. However, outside of contest exchanges, please consider providing honest and useful RST reports. It will the other operator evaluate what to send, such as choosing to send critical information twice or slowing down.

Readability	Signal	Tone	Value
Not Used	Extremely strong signals	Perfect tone	9
Not Used	Strong signals	Near perfect tone	8
Not Used	Moderately strong signals	Near pure tone	7
Not Used	Good signals	Filtered tone	6
Perfectly readable	Fairly good siganls	Filtered rectified	5
Readable with practically no difficulty	Fair signals	Rough note	4
Readable with considerable difficulty	Weak signals	Rough a.c. tone	3
Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable	Very weak signals	Very rough	2
Unreadable	Signals barely perceptable	Sixty cycle a.c. or less	1

Cut Numbers:

Cut numbers are letters that are used in place of a number. You will most often hear them in a signal report. Instead of 599, 5NN is sent instead. The numbers 0 and 9 are frequently substituted with T and N respectively. Some of the cut numbers are uncommon, and using all of them is known as using full cut numbers.

Cut numbers can only be used when it is evident that a number should be received. You may frequently encounter cut numbers in serial numbers during a contest exchange. See the table below for the letters that may stand in for a number.

Replacements
0	T
1	A
2	U
3	V
4	4
5	E
6	6
7	B
8	D
9	N

CW Abbreviations:

Below is a comprehensive list of CW abbreviations that are used by amateur radio operators. I have bolded the most commonly used abbreviations.

AA - All after	OB - Old boy
AB - All before	OC - Old chap
ABT - About	OM - Old man
ADEE - Addressee	OP - Operator
ADR - Address	OPR - Operator
AGN - Again	OT - Old timer; Old top
AM - Amplitude Modulation	PBL - Preamble
ANT - Antenna	PKG - Package
BCI - Broadcast Interference	PSE - Please
BCL - Broadcast Listener	PT - Point
BCNU - Be seeing you	PWR - Power
BK - Break, Break in	PX - Press
BN - All between; Been	R - Received as transmitted; Are; Decimal
BT - Separation (break) between addr and text	RC - Ragchew
BTR - Better	RCD - Received
BUG - Semi-Automatic key	RCVR - Receiver
B4 - Before	RE - Concerning; Regarding
C - Yes, Correct	REF - Refer to; Referring to; Reference
CFM - Confirm; I confirm	RFI - Radio frequency interference
CK - Check	RIG - Station equipment
CKT - Circuit	RPT - Repeat, report
CL - I am closing my station; Call	RTTY - Radioteletype
CLBK - Callbook	RST - Readability, strength, tone
CLD - Called	RX - Receive, Receiver
CLG - Calling	SASE - Self-addressed, stamped envelope
CNT - Can't	SED - Said
CONDX - Conditions	SEZ - Says
CQ - Calling any station	SGD - Signed
CU - See you	SIG - Signal; Signature
CUL - See you Later	SINE - Operator's personal initials or nickname
CUM - Come	SKED - Schedule
CW - Continuous wave	SRI - Sorry
DA - Day	SS - Sweepstakes
DE - From, This is	SSB - Single Side Band
DIFF - Difference	STN - Station
DLD - Delivered	SUM - Some
DLVD - Delivered	SVC - Service; Prefix to service message
DN - Down	T - Zero
DR - Dear	TFC - Traffic
EL - Element	TMW - Tomorrow
ES - And	TKS - Thanks
DX - Distance	TNX - Thanks
FB - Fine business; excellent	TR - Transmit
FER - For	T/R - Transmit/Receive
FM - Frequency Modulation; From	TRIX - Tricks
GA - Good afternoon; Go ahead	TT - That
GB - Good bye; God bless	TTS - That is
GD - Good	TU - Thank you
GE - Good evening	TVI - Television interference
GESS - Guess	TX - Transmitter; Transmit
GG - Going	TXT - Text
GM - Good morning	U - You
GN - Good night	UR - Your; Your're
GND - Ground	URS - Yours
GUD - Good	VFB - Very fun business
GV - Give	VFO - Variable Frequency Oscillator
GVG - Giving	VY - Very
HH - Error in sending	W - Watts
HI - The telegraph laugh	WA - Word after
HPE - Hope	WB - Word before
HQ - Headquarters	WD - Word
HR - Here; hear	WDS - Words
HV - Have	WID - With
HW - How; How copy?	WKD - Worked
IMI - Repeat; Say again	WKG - Working
INFO - Info	WL - Well; will
LID - A poor operator	WPM - Words Per Minute
LNG - Long	WRD - Word
LTR - Later; letter	WUD - Would
LV - Leave	WX - Weather
LVG - Leaving	XCVR - Transceiver
MA - Milliamperes	XMTR - Transmitter
MILL - Typewriter	XTAL - Crystal
MILS - Milliamperes	XYL - Wife
MSG - Message; Prefix to radiogram	WL - Well
N - No, Negative, Incorrect, No more	YL - Young lady
NC - Nothing copied	YR - Year
NIL - Nothing copied	30 - I have no more to send
NCS - Net Control Station	73 - Best regards
ND - Nothing; Doing NIL (Nothing); I have nothing	88 - Love and kisses
NM - No more
NR - Number
NW - Now; I resume transmission

Q code:

Amateur radio operators use a subset of the full international Q Code. The Q code is a standardized collection of three-letter codes, which all start with the letter Q. These abbreviations function as a question when they are followed by a question mark or serve as part of a statement. For example, "QTH?" means "What is your location?" While "QTH Manhattan, KS" means "My location is Manhattan, KS." I have bolded the most commonly used Q Codes outside of nets.

Code	Question	Answer / Statement
QRA	What is the name (or call sign) of your station?	The name (or call sign) of your station is ___.
QRG	What is my exact frequency (or that of)?	Your exact frequency (or that of ___ ) is ___ KHz/Mhz.
QRH	Does my frequency vary?	Your frequency varies.
QRI	How is the tone of my transmission?	The tone of your transmissions is ___ (1. Good; 2. Variable; 3. Bad).
QRJ	Are you receiving me badly?	I cannot receive you. Your signals are too weak.
QRK	What is the intelligibility of my signals (or those of ___ )?	The intelligibility of your signals (or those of ___ ) is ___ (1. Bad; 2. Poor; 3. Fair; 4. Good; 5. Excellent).
QRL	Are you busy?	I am busy (with ___ ). Please do not interfere.
QRM	Is my transmission being interfered with?	Your transmission is being interfered with ___ (1. Nil; 2. Slightly; 3. Moderately; 4. Severely; 5. Extremely).
QRN	Are you troubled with static?	I am troubled with static by ___ (1. Nil; 2. Slightly; 3. Moderately; 4. Severely; 5. Extremely).
QRO	Should I increase power?	Increase power.
QRP	Should I decrease power?	Decrease power.
QRQ	Should I send faster?	Send faster ( ___ WPM).
QRS	Should I send slower?	Send more slowly ( ___ WPM).
QRT	Should I stop sending?	I will stop sending.
QRU	Have you anything for me?	I have nothing for you.
QRV	Are you ready?	I am ready.
QRW	Should I inform ___ that you are calling on ___ kHz?	Please inform ___ that I am calling on ___ kHz.
QRX	Should I standby? When will you call me again?	I will call you again at ___ hours (on ___ kHz).
QRY	What number is my turn?	Your turn is number ___.
QRZ	Who is calling me?	You are being called by ___ (on ___ kHz).
QSA	What is the strength of my signals (or those of ___ )?	The strength of your signals (or those of ___ ) is ___ (1. Scarcely perceptable; 2. Weak; 3. Fairly good; 4. Good; 5. Very good).
QSB	Are my signals fading?	Your signals are fading.
QSD	Is my keying defective?	Your keying is defective.
QSG	Should I send ___ messages at a time?	Send ___ messages at a time.
QSK	Can you hear me between your signals and if so can I break in on your transmission?	I can hear you between my signals. You may break in on my transmission.
QSL	Did you copy my message?	I copied your message.
QSM	Should I repeat the last message I sent you? Or some previous message?	Repeat the last message you sent me [or message(s) number(s) ___ ].
QSN	Did you hear me (or ___ ) on ___ kHz?	I heard you (or ___ ) on ___ kHz.
QSO	Can you communicate with ___ direct or by relay?	I can communicate with ___ directly (or by relay through ___ ).
QSP	Will you relay to ___ ?	I will relay to ___ .
QSS	What working frequency will you use?	I will use ___ kHz.
QSU	Should I send on this frequency (or on ___ kHz)?	Send on this frequency (or ___ kHz).
QSV	Should I send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ___ kHz)?	Send a series of Vs on this frequency (or on ___ kHz).
QSW	Will you send on this frequency (or on ___ kHz)?	I will send on this frequency (or on ___ kHz).
QSX	Will you listen to ___ on ___ kHz?	I am listening to ___ on ___ kHz.
QSY	Should I change my transmission to another frequency?	Change your transmission to another frequency (or on ___ kHz).
QSZ	Should I send each word or group more than once?	Send each word or group twice (or ___ times).
QTA	Should I cancel message number ___ ?	Cancel message number ___ .
QTB	Do you agree with my counting of words?	I do not agree with your counting of words. I will repeat the first letter or digit of each word or group.
QTC	How many messages do you have?	I have ___ messages for you (or for ___ ).
QTH	What is your location?	My location is ___ .
QTR	What is the correct time?	The correct time is ___ .
QTX	Will you keep your station open for further communication with me?	Keep your station open for me.
QUA	Do you have news of ___ ?	I have news of ___ .

Q codes as Informal Abbreviations:

Increasingly Q-codes are being used informally with a slightly different meaning. They have diverted from their original meaning and are being used as a replacement for a specific word. The table below summarizes the most common use cases. (This observation comes from giangrandi.ch.) The most commonly used ones are bolded.

Code	Abbreviation For
QRA	Name
QRB	Distance
QRG	Frequency
QRK	Intelligibility
QRL	Busy
QRM	Interference
QRN	Noise
QRO	High power
QRP	Low power
QRQ	High speed CW
QRS	Low speed CW
QRSS	Very slow speed CW
QRT	Shut down the station
QRV	Ready
QRX	Standby
QRZ?	Who is calling me?
QSB	Fading
QSD	Defective keying
QSK	Break in
QSL	Cofirmation or card to confirm contact
QSO	Radio contact
QSY	Change frequency
QTC	Message
QTH	Location
QTR	Time

Signal Corps Block Letters:

To efficiently copy by hand, you might consider adopting the Signal Corps style of block printing. It was designed to reduce motion and increase speed. It might reduce legibility, but you can further reduce the motions of D, B, P, and R by drawing the vertical line up from the bottom rather than down from the top. That eliminates the need to reposition the pen for the curved portion of the letter.

DX Code of Conduct:

CW operators are known for their high operating standards and code of conduct. Please help uphold this tradition and a high ethical standard for future generations!

The DX Code of Conduct was developed by an international group of DXers to inspire a higher ethical standard. Unfortunately, frustration, unexpected difficulties, excessive competitiveness, and a lack of awareness cause significant problems and bring out the worst in us.

Many items may seem obvious but please carefully think about each of them.

1. I will listen, and listen, and then listen again before calling.

This seems so obvious but it is the most vital thing to do. Careful listening rather than rushing to transmit will get the DX into your log. You must listen to find out whether the DX is working split and if so, where is he listening? Then you need to listen to the calling stations in order to determine what the DX station is doing. For example, he may be working gradually up or down the pile-up frequency range – and you need to find the best spot to call. And it may be time to ask yourself: “Do I really need to work this bit of DX, right now? Can I wait a while for the pile-up to subside?”

2. I will only call if I can copy the DX station properly.

You also need to listen carefully to determine how well you can hear the DX station to be sure you will hear his reply to your call and to avoid causing interference by transmitting at the wrong time. It is extremely frustrating for a DX station to return a call to a station that is unable to hear him, thereby causing incessant QRM.

3. I will not trust the DX cluster and will be sure of the DX station's call sign before calling.

Cluster spots often show the wrong call sign. Before you log a station, you should hear the station’s callsign on the air – don’t trust spotting networks. The DX operator should send his call sign at regular intervals. Unfortunately, not all operators do this!

4. I will not interfere with the DX station nor anyone calling and will never tune up on the DX frequency or in the QSX slow.

Sadly, this covers a multitude of operators, employing poor operating practices. We are frequently afflicted with “Policemen,” people who repeatedly jump in to tell callers that “the DX is listening up” – often adding a gratuitous insult. The rule is quite simple: never, ever transmit on the DX frequency for any purpose whatsoever. I will pay attention to the operator’s instructions if he is operating “split” so as to stay in his preferred bandwidth.

5. I will wait for the DX station to end a contact before I call.

If you transmit before a QSO is over, you are likely to interfere with the exchange of information, lengthening the QSO and slowing the process. It may seem clever to “nip in” as the previous contact is ending but many DX stations don’t like it, as such operating may break the pattern of the operator, which is what helps everyone to know when to transmit.

6. I will always send my full call sign.

This is essential for CW and SSB, because incomplete calls lead to an extra transmission, slowing the operator’s progress with the pileup. If the operator is responding to partial call signs, it may appear that you should call with only several letters. Generally, this is not the case. Always use your full call sign.

7. I will call and then listen for a reasonable interval. I will not call continuously.

Continuous calling is selfish and arrogant. With a computer or memory keyer, it is easy to send continuously. Unfortunately, it prevents you from listening and knowing what is taking place. In addition, it raises the QRM floor greatly, making life difficult for the DX station and everyone else.

8. I will not transmit when the DX operator calls another call sign not like mine.

Perhaps this is intuitively obvious, but it is a common occurrence. If it is clear that the station is not calling you, do not transmit.

9. I will not transmit when the DX operator queries a call sign not like mine.

In life outside amateur radio it would simply be considered rude to answer when someone else is asked a question! How do you know if the station is calling you? Perhaps the DX operator has a partial version of your call. Is it me? “The timing is right!” Yes, the timing may seem right, but it may also be “right” for many other stations. If the DX is actually calling you and hears nothing, he will call you again. Then you can call. Only one letter from your call sign is NOT enough, however. Calling when not being addressed raises the floor level of QRM and slows progress dramatically.

10. I will not transmit when the DX station requests geographic areas other than mine. When the DX operator calls me, I will not repeat my call sign unless I think he has copied it incorrectly.

You must recognise and accept that when an operator is calling for a specific geographic area (e.g. NA for North America, AS for Asia ), you must not call until the operator’s instructions change. Even if his choice appears incorrect, you must follow his instructions. The DX operator is in control. Here’s an important point: If a DX operator is working, some area, perhaps North America , and he fails to say so between QSOs, do not begin calling immediately. Call only when it is clear that the operator’s instructions have changed. To do otherwise is impolite and simply slows the process.

11. I will be thankful if and when I do make a contact.

If you repeat your call sign, the DX station may think that he has your call sign wrong. He might then listen very carefully – again – thus slowing the process. A DX operator will generally log what he has if you say nothing further.

12. I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.

There should certainly be a pride of accomplishment when you get a QSO with a guy in a far-away entity. But before you start basking in the glow of accomplishment, think about the help you received from your partners, perhaps Mr. Icom, Mr. Alpha, and Mr. Force 12. If your ego still feels a need to take ALL the credit, try again. But this time turn off your amplifier and connect your rig barefoot to a dipole. If you get through the pile up this time, then YOU, as the operator, can take more of the credit.

You should also acknowledge that you would not have had the contact without the skill of the operator at the other end who undoubtedly made sacrifices to be there for you. So be thankful for all this help you received.

13. I will respect my fellow hams and conduct myself so as to earn their respect.

Respect is about behaving well toward others. DXing is very competitive. If you operate otherwise, you may acquire a bad reputation. DXing will be the most fun for everyone if we all behave with politeness, mutual respect and even a bit of humility!

The Radio Amateur's Code:

Considerate: He never knowingly operates in such a way as to lessen the pleasure of others.

Loyal: He offers loyalty, encouragement, and support to other amateurs, local clubs, the IARU Radio Society in his country, through which Amateur Radio in his country is represented nationally and internationally.

Progressive: He keeps his station up to date. It is well-built and efficient. His operating practice is above reproach.

Friendly: He operates slowly and patiently when requested; offers friendly advice and counsel to beginners; kind assistance, cooperation, and consideration for others' interests. These are the marks of the amateur spirit.

Balanced: Radio is a hobby, never interfering with duties owed to family, job, school, or community.

Patriotic: His station and skills are always ready for service to country and community.

— Adapted from the original Amateur's Code, written by Paul M. Segal (W9EEA) in 1928.