What Is 1 in Morse Code?
The Morse code for 1 is .----, a sequence of 1 dot and 4 dashes. In international Morse code (the ITU standard), every digit from 0 to 9 uses exactly five signals — a mix of dots (·) and dashes (−). Number 1 begins with a single dot followed by four dashes — the start of the “rising staircase” of Morse digits.
When you hear or read “morse code 1”, “morse code for 1”, “1 morse code”, or “number 1 in morse code”, the answer is always the same five-signal pattern: .----.
Why Number 1 Is Easy to Recognise
Number 1 starts with a quick blip and then four long tones. The single dot at the start makes it instantly distinguishable from number 0 (all dashes) and from any letter, since letters never use this exact 5-signal pattern.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for 1?
Select the correct Morse code for 1:
How to Tap Number 1 in Morse Code
To transmit Number 1 (.----), use this sequence:
ITU Timing Rules
- Dot (·) = 1 unit
- Dash (−) = 3 units (3× longer)
- Signal gap = 1 unit
- Letter gap = 3 units
- Word gap = 7 units
Timing Reference Table
| Speed | Dot | Dash | Letter gap | Word gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 wpm | 240ms | 720ms | 720ms | 1680ms |
| 10 wpm | 120ms | 360ms | 360ms | 840ms |
| 17 wpm (this page) | 70ms | 210ms | 210ms | 490ms |
| 20 wpm | 60ms | 180ms | 180ms | 420ms |
How to Remember Number 1 in Morse Code
One starts with a single dot, then four dashes — the “rising staircase” of the digits.
Think “di-DAH-DAH-DAH-DAH” — one quick blip, then four long tones.
Frequently Asked Questions — Number 1 in Morse Code
1 in Morse code is .----. The number 1 (one) uses 1 dot and 4 dashes, the standard ITU pattern for the digit one.
The Morse code for 1 is .----. Tap the signals in sequence with a one-unit gap between each.
To send number 1: short press, then long press, then long press, then long press, then long press. All Morse digits use exactly 5 signals.
All Morse digits use exactly 5 signals by ITU standard, making them easy to distinguish from letters (1–4 signals) during transmission.
Number 1 is .----. Lower digits have more dots at the start; higher digits have more dashes. This systematic pattern makes numbers easier to learn as a sequence.
Related Morse Code Numbers
Other 5-signal digits often confused with number 1: