V in Morse Code
The letter V in Morse code is ...-: three dots followed by a dash, sounded “di-di-di-dah”. Its short-short-short-long rhythm matches the opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony, which the BBC used for its “V for Victory” broadcasts in the Second World War.
What Does V Look Like in Morse Code?
V has 4 signals (3 dots and 1 dash) and takes 9 timing units to send. It is S (...) with a dash added, so if you know S you already know most of V. See it next to every other letter on the Morse code alphabet chart.
Words That Start With V in Morse Code
| Word | Morse code | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| VERY | ...- . .-. -.-- | V E R Y |
| VOICE | ...- --- .. -.-. . | V O I C E |
| VALUE | ...- .- .-.. ..- . | V A L U E |
| VIDEO | ...- .. -.. . --- | V I D E O |
| VICTORY | ...- .. -.-. - --- .-. -.-- | V I C T O R Y |
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 V
U
..- · two dots, not three
H
.... · four dots, no dash
4
....- · four dots before the dash
V, H and 4 sit close together because they are all runs of dots. V is the only one with exactly three dots and a final dash. For a step-by-step method, read how to identify a letter from its Morse pattern.
How to Remember V in Morse Code
Hum Beethoven’s Fifth
“Da-da-da-DUM” is ...-. Few letters come with a tune this well known.
Build it from S
S is .... Add a dash and you have V. Remove one dot and you have U.
Mirror of B
B is -.... V is the same four signals in reverse, so the two letters are learned as a pair.
How Long Does V Take to Send?
V is 9 units long (1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 3). 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 |
V in Radio and Real-World Morse
VVV as a test signal
Operators and beacons have long sent VVV to test a transmitter or let listeners tune in, because the repeated rhythm is easy to recognise.
V for Victory
In 1941 the BBC began opening broadcasts to occupied Europe with the V rhythm, linking the Morse letter to the Allied victory campaign.
Victor in the NATO alphabet
By voice, V is “Victor”. In Morse it is just ...-.
How Efficient Is V in Morse Code?
Alfred Vail gave common letters short codes after estimating how often each letter is used. Comparing V’s share of English text with the length of its code shows how well that plan worked for this letter.
| Measure | V |
|---|---|
| Share of letters in English text | 0.98% |
| Frequency rank (of 26 letters) | 21st |
| Morse code length | 9 units |
| Other letters with the same length | B, F, G, K, L, W |
| American Morse (US landline telegraph) | ...- (same as International) |
V is the twenty-first most common letter and takes 9 units. Three dots and a dash became famous in the Second World War, when the BBC used the rhythm as its “V for Victory” signal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is V in Morse code?
V is ...-: three dots and a dash, sounded “di-di-di-dah”.
Why is V in Morse code linked to Beethoven?
The opening of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony is short-short-short-long, the same rhythm as V. The BBC used both during the Second World War as a “V for Victory” signal.
How many units long is V in Morse code?
V is 9 units: three dots (3), one dash (3) and three gaps (3).
What does VVV mean in Morse code?
VVV is a test transmission, sent to check equipment or help listeners tune to a station.
What letter is V backwards in Morse code?
Reversed, ...- becomes -..., which is B.