What Is the Equals Sign in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the equals sign (=) is -...- — a sequence of 5 signals: dash, dot, dot, dot, dash. The equals sign (=) doubles as the BT prosign in CW. It’s five signals: dash dot dot dot dash. Operators use it as a break between paragraphs or thoughts.
When you search for “equals sign in morse code”, “morse code for equals sign”, “= in morse code”, or “morse code =”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: -...-. Other common names for this character include equal sign, BT prosign, double dash.
When to Use the Equals Sign
Marking paragraph breaks in Morse messages; written as = in printed copy. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the equals sign stays as -...-.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Equals Sign?
Select the correct Morse code for the equals sign (=):
How to Tap the Equals Sign in Morse Code
To transmit the equals sign (-...-), 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 Equals Sign in Morse Code
Dash, three dots, dash — the prosign “BT”. Often used as a paragraph break or “new line” in CW.
Frequently Asked Questions — Equals Sign in Morse Code
The equals sign (=) in Morse code is -...- (3 dots, 2 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the equals sign is -...-. Tap the sequence as: dash, dot, dot, dot, dash, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the equals sign: long press, then short tap, then short tap, then short tap, then long press. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The equals sign uses 5 signals total: 3 dots and 2 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Marking paragraph breaks in Morse messages; written as = in printed copy. 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 equals sign.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the equals sign: