What Is the Ampersand in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the ampersand (&) is .-... — a sequence of 5 signals: dot, dash, dot, dot, dot. The ampersand (&) is the AS prosign — “wait” or “stand by.” It’s five signals: dot dash dot dot dot. Send it when you need a brief pause.
When you search for “ampersand in morse code”, “morse code for ampersand”, “& in morse code”, or “morse code &”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: .-.... Other common names for this character include and sign, AS prosign, wait.
When to Use the Ampersand
"Stand by" indicator in CW conversations; also written as "&" in casual messages. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the ampersand stays as .-....
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Ampersand?
Select the correct Morse code for the ampersand (&):
How to Tap the Ampersand in Morse Code
To transmit the ampersand (.-...), 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 the Ampersand in Morse Code
Dot-dash, then three dots — the prosign “AS” meaning “wait.” Five signals, quick and conversational.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ampersand in Morse Code
The ampersand (&) in Morse code is .-... (4 dots, 1 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the ampersand is .-.... Tap the sequence as: dot, dash, dot, dot, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the ampersand: short tap, then long press, then short tap, then short tap, then short tap. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The ampersand uses 5 signals total: 4 dots and 1 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
"Stand by" indicator in CW conversations; also written as "&" in casual messages. Punctuation is optional in casual CW, but standard for formal messages and written transcripts.
Yes — .-... is defined by the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) Recommendation M.1677 and is used worldwide for the ampersand.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the ampersand: