What Is the Plus Sign in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the plus sign (+) is .-.-. — a sequence of 5 signals: dot, dash, dot, dash, dot. The plus sign (+) is the AR prosign — “end of message.” It’s five signals: dot dash dot dash dot. Operators send it before signing off.
When you search for “plus sign in morse code”, “morse code for plus sign”, “+ in morse code”, or “morse code +”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: .-.-.. Other common names for this character include plus, AR prosign, end of message.
When to Use the Plus Sign
End-of-message indicator in CW; written as "+" or "AR" in logs. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the plus sign stays as .-.-..
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Plus Sign?
Select the correct Morse code for the plus sign (+):
How to Tap the Plus Sign in Morse Code
To transmit the plus 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 Plus Sign in Morse Code
Dot-dash-dot-dash-dot — the prosign “AR” meaning end of message. Five signals, alternating start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions — Plus Sign in Morse Code
The plus sign (+) in Morse code is .-.-. (3 dots, 2 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the plus sign is .-.-.. Tap the sequence as: dot, dash, dot, dash, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the plus sign: short tap, then long press, then short tap, then long press, then short tap. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The plus sign uses 5 signals total: 3 dots and 2 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
End-of-message indicator in CW; written as "+" or "AR" in logs. 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 plus sign.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the plus sign: