Morse Code for Numbers (0–9)

Morse Code Numbers

The Morse code for digits 0–9 follows a remarkably systematic pattern. Each digit uses exactly five symbols (dots and dashes), creating an elegant progression.

Number Table

1  .----    6  -....
2  ..---    7  --...
3  ...--    8  ---..
4  ....-    9  ----.
5  .....    0  -----

The Pattern

The digits follow a beautiful symmetrical structure:

1–5: Start with dots, end with dashes

1: .----  (1 dot,  4 dashes)
2: ..---  (2 dots, 3 dashes)
3: ...--  (3 dots, 2 dashes)
4: ....-  (4 dots, 1 dash)
5: .....  (5 dots, 0 dashes)

6–0: Start with dashes, end with dots

6: -....  (1 dash,  4 dots)
7: --...  (2 dashes, 3 dots)
8: ---..  (3 dashes, 2 dots)
9: ----.  (4 dashes, 1 dot)
0: -----  (5 dashes, 0 dots)

Why Five Symbols?

Using five symbols for every digit makes numbers easy to distinguish from letters (which use 1–4 symbols). When you hear a five-symbol group, you immediately know it is a number.

Shortened Numbers

In amateur radio, operators sometimes use abbreviated numbers to save time:

1 → .-    (like A)
9 → -.    (like N)
0 → -     (like T)

These abbreviations are only used in contest and informal contexts where the meaning is clear.