What Is the Colon in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the colon (:) is ---... — a sequence of 6 signals: dash, dash, dash, dot, dot, dot. The colon (:) introduces a list or quote. In Morse it’s six signals: dash dash dash dot dot dot — three dashes followed by three dots.
When you search for “colon in morse code”, “morse code for colon”, “: in morse code”, or “morse code :”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: ---.... Other common names for this character include double dot.
When to Use the Colon
Time stamps (12:30), list introductions, and dialogue tags in Morse text. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the colon stays as ---....
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Colon?
Select the correct Morse code for the colon (:):
How to Tap the Colon in Morse Code
To transmit the colon (---...), 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 Colon in Morse Code
Three dashes then three dots — like “OS” combined, or the digit-pattern halfway point. Easy to recognise: long-short, in two clean halves.
Frequently Asked Questions — Colon in Morse Code
The colon (:) in Morse code is ---... (3 dots, 3 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the colon is ---.... Tap the sequence as: dash, dash, dash, dot, dot, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the colon: long press, then long press, 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 colon uses 6 signals total: 3 dots and 3 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Time stamps (12:30), list introductions, and dialogue tags in Morse text. 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 colon.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the colon: