K in Morse Code
The letter K in Morse code is -.-: dash, dot, dash, sounded “dah-di-dah”. On the radio, a single K at the end of a transmission means “over, go ahead”.
What Does K Look Like in Morse Code?
K has 3 signals (1 dot and 2 dashes) and takes 9 timing units to send. K reads the same forwards and backwards, so it has no mirror letter. It is also one of the first two letters taught in the Koch method. See it next to every other letter on the Morse code alphabet chart.
Words That Start With K in Morse Code
| Word | Morse code | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| KEY | -.- . -.-- | K E Y |
| KIND | -.- .. -. -.. | K I N D |
| KING | -.- .. -. --. | K I N G |
| KITE | -.- .. - . | K I T E |
| KEEP | -.- . . .--. | K E E P |
Each word starts with -.-. A space separates the letters. Type any other word into the Morse code translator to hear it.
Letters Easily Confused With K
C (K plus a dot)
-.-. · dash dot dash dot
Y (K plus a dash)
-.-- · dash dot dash dash
N (K without the last dash)
-. · dash dot
R (the opposite of K)
.-. · dots and dashes swapped
K is the root of C and Y: add a dot to get C, add a dash to get Y. R is K with every dot and dash swapped, which makes the two easy to confuse at speed. For a step-by-step method, read how to identify a letter from its Morse pattern.
How to Remember K in Morse Code
Say it out loud
“Dah-di-dah” is long, short, long, a balanced rhythm that sounds the same played backwards.
Build C and Y from it
Learn K first, then hear C and Y as K with one extra signal. Three letters for the effort of one.
Think of “over”
Operators end their turn with K. If you listen to ham radio Morse, you hear it after almost every transmission.
Drill it
Hear K against R, C and Y in the Morse code practice quiz.
How Long Does K Take to Send?
K is 9 units long: 3 for each of the two dashes, 1 for the dot, and 1 for each of the two gaps inside the letter. A dot is 1 unit and a dash is 3. The Morse code timing guide explains how speed changes the length of a unit.
| Speed | One unit | Time to send |
|---|---|---|
| 5 WPM | 240 ms | 2160 ms |
| 10 WPM | 120 ms | 1080 ms |
| 15 WPM | 80 ms | 720 ms |
| 20 WPM | 60 ms | 540 ms |
| 25 WPM | 48 ms | 432 ms |
K in Radio and Real-World Morse
K: over, go ahead
A lone K invites any station to reply. It is the Morse equivalent of saying “over” on a voice radio.
KN: named station only
KN (-.--.) means “go ahead, but only the station I am talking to”. See Morse code prosigns.
The Koch method
The Koch method of learning Morse starts with just two characters, K and M, then adds one at a time. Read how to learn Morse code.
Kilo in the NATO alphabet
On voice radio, K is spoken “Kilo”. Morse code vs the NATO alphabet compares the two.
How Efficient Is K in Morse Code?
Alfred Vail gave common letters short codes after estimating how often each letter is used. Comparing K’s share of English text with the length of its code shows how well that plan worked for this letter.
| Measure | K |
|---|---|
| Share of letters in English text | 0.77% |
| Frequency rank (of 26 letters) | 22nd |
| Morse code length | 9 units |
| Other letters with the same length | B, F, G, L, V, W |
| American Morse (US landline telegraph) | -.- (same as International) |
K is the twenty-second most common letter and takes 9 units. It is used constantly on the air anyway: a lone K means “over” or “go ahead”, so operators send it far more often than its frequency in writing suggests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is K in Morse code?
K in Morse code is -.-: dash, dot, dash.
How do you say K in Morse code out loud?
K is spoken “dah-di-dah”: long, short, long.
What letter is dash dot dash in Morse code?
Dash dot dash (-.-) is the letter K. Dash dot dash dot (-.-.) is C.
What does K mean at the end of a Morse transmission?
A single K means “over” or “go ahead”, inviting the other station to transmit.
What is the difference between K and R in Morse code?
K is dash dot dash (-.-) and R is dot dash dot (.-.). Every signal is swapped, so listen for whether the letter starts long or short.