What Is the Question Mark in Morse Code?
The Morse code for the question mark (?) is ..--.. — a sequence of 6 signals: dot, dot, dash, dash, dot, dot. The question mark (?) is one of the most common punctuation marks in CW. It’s six signals: dot dot dash dash dot dot — a palindrome.
When you search for “question mark in morse code”, “morse code for question mark”, “? in morse code”, or “morse code ?”, the answer is the same ITU-standard pattern: ..--... Other common names for this character include interrogation mark, query.
When to Use the Question Mark
Asking questions in Morse, and as a stand-alone "QRZ?"-style query in amateur radio. In high-speed CW conversation, operators often skip non-essential punctuation — but for clarity, accuracy and written transcripts, the question mark stays as ..--...
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for the Question Mark?
Select the correct Morse code for the question mark (?):
How to Tap the Question Mark in Morse Code
To transmit the question 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 Question Mark in Morse Code
Two dots, two dashes, two dots — start curious, pause for thought, finish curious. Mirrors the rising-falling-rising tone of asking a question.
Frequently Asked Questions — Question Mark in Morse Code
The question mark (?) in Morse code is ..--.. (4 dots, 2 dashes). It’s the standard ITU code used worldwide.
The Morse code for the question mark is ..--... Tap the sequence as: dot, dot, dash, dash, dot, dot, with a one-unit gap between each signal.
To send the question mark: short tap, then short tap, then long press, then long press, then short tap, then short tap. Keep one unit of silence between each signal and three units between this character and the next.
The question mark uses 6 signals total: 4 dots and 2 dashes. Most punctuation marks in ITU Morse use 5 or 6 signals.
Asking questions in Morse, and as a stand-alone "QRZ?"-style query in amateur radio. 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 question mark.
Related Morse Code Punctuation
Other punctuation marks often used alongside the question mark: