What Is the Hyphen in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the hyphen (-) is -....- — a sequence of 6 signals: dash, dot, dot, dot, dot, dash. The hyphen (-) connects compound words and ranges. In Morse it’s six signals: dash dot dot dot dot dash. Don’t confuse it with the dash signal itself.
When you search for “hyphen in morse code”, “morse code for hyphen”, “- in morse code”, or “morse code -”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: -....-. Other common names for this character include minus sign, dash character.
When to Use the Hyphen
Compound words and number ranges in plain-text Morse messages. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the hyphen stays as -....-.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Hyphen?
Select the correct Morse code for the hyphen (-):
How to Tap the Hyphen in Morse Code
To transmit the hyphen (-....-), 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 Hyphen in Morse Code
Dash, four dots, dash — symmetrical bookends with a long middle. Six signals total.
Frequently Asked Questions — Hyphen in Morse Code
The hyphen (-) in Morse code is -....- (4 dots, 2 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the hyphen is -....-. Tap the sequence as: dash, dot, dot, dot, dot, dash, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the hyphen: long press, then short tap, 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 hyphen uses 6 signals total: 4 dots and 2 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Compound words and number ranges in plain-text 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 hyphen.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the hyphen: