What Is the Exclamation Mark in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the exclamation mark (!) is -.-.-- — a sequence of 6 signals: dash, dot, dash, dot, dash, dash. The exclamation mark (!) signals strong emotion. In Morse it’s six signals: dash dot dash dot dash dash. Note: the older American Morse used a different code.
When you search for “exclamation mark in morse code”, “morse code for exclamation mark”, “! in morse code”, or “morse code !”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: -.-.--. Other common names for this character include exclamation point, bang.
When to Use the Exclamation Mark
Adding emphasis in modern ITU Morse messages. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the exclamation mark stays as -.-.--.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Exclamation Mark?
Select the correct Morse code for the exclamation mark (!):
How to Tap the Exclamation Mark in Morse Code
To transmit the exclamation mark (-.-.--), 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 Exclamation Mark in Morse Code
Dash-dot-dash-dot then dash-dash — a punchy “KW” rhythm followed by a strong finish, like shouting a sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions — Exclamation Mark in Morse Code
The exclamation mark (!) in Morse code is -.-.-- (2 dots, 4 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the exclamation mark is -.-.--. Tap the sequence as: dash, dot, dash, dot, dash, dash, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the exclamation mark: long press, then short tap, then long press, then short tap, then long press, then long press. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The exclamation mark uses 6 signals total: 2 dots and 4 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Adding emphasis in modern ITU Morse 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 exclamation mark.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the exclamation mark: