Q in Morse Code
The letter Q in Morse code is --.-: dash, dash, dot, dash, sounded “dah-dah-di-dah”. It is the first letter of every Q code, the three-letter shorthand radio operators use for common questions.
What Does Q Look Like in Morse Code?
Q has 4 signals (1 dot and 3 dashes) and takes 13 timing units to send. Q is one of the rarest letters in English, so it has one of the longest codes. J and Y are the same length. See it next to every other letter on the Morse code alphabet chart.
Words That Start With Q in Morse Code
| Word | Morse code | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| QUIZ | --.- ..- .. --.. | Q U I Z |
| QUEEN | --.- ..- . . -. | Q U E E N |
| QUICK | --.- ..- .. -.-. -.- | Q U I C K |
| QUIET | --.- ..- .. . - | Q U I E T |
| QUOTE | --.- ..- --- - . | Q U O T E |
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 Q
Y (the mirror of Q)
-.-- · dash dot dash dash
G (Q without the last dash)
--. · dash dash dot
Z (last dash becomes a dot)
--.. · dash dash dot dot
M A (two letters)
-- .- · same signals with a letter gap
G, Z and Q all start with dash dash dot. Nothing after it is G, another dot is Z, a dash is Q. Reverse Q and you get Y. For a step-by-step method, read how to identify a letter from its Morse pattern.
How to Remember Q in Morse Code
Say it out loud
“Dah-dah-di-dah”: two long sounds, a quick one, then a long one to finish.
Build it from G
G is --.. Add a dash at the end and you have Q.
Hear it in CQ
CQ (-.-. --.-), the general call to any station, ends with Q. You hear it constantly in ham radio Morse.
Drill it
Hear Q against Y, G and Z in the Morse code practice quiz.
How Long Does Q Take to Send?
Q is 13 units long: 3 for each of the three dashes, 1 for the dot, and 1 for each of the three 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 | 3120 ms |
| 10 WPM | 120 ms | 1560 ms |
| 15 WPM | 80 ms | 1040 ms |
| 20 WPM | 60 ms | 780 ms |
| 25 WPM | 48 ms | 624 ms |
Q in Radio and Real-World Morse
Q codes
Q codes are three-letter abbreviations starting with Q, such as QTH (location), QSL (I confirm receipt) and QRZ (who is calling me?). The full list is on the Morse code abbreviations and Q-codes page.
QSO: a contact
QSO (--.- ... ---) means a two-way radio contact. Operators talk about “a QSO with Japan”, for example.
CQ: calling any station
CQ is sent before a call sign to invite anyone listening to reply. It ends with the letter Q.
Quebec in the NATO alphabet
On voice radio, Q is spoken “Quebec”. Morse code vs the NATO alphabet explains the difference.
How Efficient Is Q in Morse Code?
Alfred Vail gave common letters short codes after estimating how often each letter is used. Comparing Q’s share of English text with the length of its code shows how well that plan worked for this letter.
| Measure | Q |
|---|---|
| Share of letters in English text | 0.12% |
| Frequency rank (of 26 letters) | 25th |
| Morse code length | 13 units |
| Other letters with the same length | J, Y |
| American Morse (US landline telegraph) | ..-. (the same as International F) |
Q is the twenty-fifth most common letter, about one letter in a thousand, and takes the maximum 13 units. Radio operators use it far more than writers do, because every Q code, such as QTH and QRM, starts with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Q in Morse code?
Q in Morse code is --.-: dash, dash, dot, dash.
How do you say Q in Morse code out loud?
Q is spoken “dah-dah-di-dah”: two long sounds, one short, then one long.
What letter is dash dash dot dash in Morse code?
Dash dash dot dash (--.-) is the letter Q. Dash dot dash dash (-.--) is Y.
What are Q codes in Morse code?
Q codes are three-letter abbreviations that start with Q, such as QTH for location and QSL for “I confirm receipt”. They let operators ask and answer common questions quickly.
What is the difference between Q and Y in Morse code?
They are mirror images. Q is --.- and Y is -.--.