Morse Code Number: Complete Chart, Pattern, and Practice Guide (0–9)
A Morse code number is a digit written in dots and dashes. Every digit from 0 to 9 uses exactly five signals. Learn that one rule and the chart below, and you can write and read any number.
Morse Code Numbers Chart (0–9)
| Number | Morse Code | Pattern | Listen and Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ----- | Five dashes | |
| 1 | .---- | One dot, four dashes | |
| 2 | ..--- | Two dots, three dashes | |
| 3 | ...-- | Three dots, two dashes | |
| 4 | ....- | Four dots, one dash | |
| 5 | ..... | Five dots | |
| 6 | -.... | One dash, four dots | |
| 7 | --... | Two dashes, three dots | |
| 8 | ---.. | Three dashes, two dots | |
| 9 | ----. | Four dashes, one dot |
How Morse Code Numbers Work
The 5-signal rule
Every digit uses exactly five dots and dashes. If you count more or fewer, something is wrong. That count is your built-in self-check.
The dot-to-dash pattern
From 1 to 5, the dots count up (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) while the dashes count down. From 6 to 0, the dashes count up while the dots count down. Memorize this pattern and you do not need to memorize ten separate codes.
Numbers vs letters
Letters use one to four signals with no single pattern. Numbers always use five. That fixed length is what keeps numbers apart from letters — as long as the spacing is correct.
How to Memorize Morse Code Numbers
Learn the pattern, not ten codes
Start with 5 (.....) — five dots, the middle of the pattern. Below it, digits 1–4 count up in dots. Above it, digits 6–0 count up in dashes. One pattern covers all ten.
Listen to memorize
Do not only read the chart. Listen to each digit and repeat its rhythm. Hearing "di-dah-dah-dah-dah" for 1 builds recognition that reading alone does not.
Short sessions, flashcards, chunking
Learn two or three digits at a time. Drill them until they are instant, then add the next group. Short daily sessions beat one long session.
How to Write a Number in Morse Code
Step-by-step
- Break the number into single digits.
- Convert each digit using the chart.
- Leave a gap of three dot-lengths between digits.
- Leave a longer gap (seven dot-lengths) between separate numbers or words.
Two-digit numbers work the same way — for example, 42 is ....- ..---.
Letters and digits together
Convert letters and digits the same way, keeping the same gaps. Example: the callsign W1AW is .-- .---- .- .--. The gaps are what keep letters and digits apart.
Worked examples
- Year: 2026 → ..--- ----- ..--- -....
- US phone number: 555-123-4567 → ..... ..... ..... / .---- ..--- ...-- / ....- ..... -.... --... (slash = group break / longer pause)
- US date: 10/15/2026 → .---- ----- / .---- ..... / ..--- ----- ..--- -....
- Time: 10:30 → .---- ----- ---... ...-- ----- (colon = ---...)
- Decimal: 3.14 → ...-- .-.-.- .---- ....- (period = .-.-.-)
- Price: $5.99 → ...-..- ..... .-.-.- ----. ----. (dollar sign = ...-..-)
How to Read Morse Code Numbers
By sound
Listen for groups of five signals. Count the dots and dashes in each group, then match the group to the chart. A group of five that starts with dots is 1–5. A group that starts with dashes is 6–0.
By sight and on paper
The same rule applies to written Morse and flashing light: split the message into five-signal groups, then read each group. If a group has more or fewer than five signals, the spacing is off — re-split it.
Common Mistakes With Morse Code Numbers
Timing errors that merge two digits
The most common error is a missing gap between digits. Two digits run together into one long group that matches nothing. Fix: pause three dot-lengths between digits, every time.
Number–letter confusion table
If a digit is read as letters (spacing ignored), this is what it becomes:
| Digit | Morse Code | Read as letters | Letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | ----- | - | T |
| 1 | .---- | .- | A |
| 2 | ..--- | ..- | U |
| 3 | ...-- | ...- | V |
| 4 | ....- | ....- | (no letter) |
| 5 | ..... | . | E |
| 6 | -.... | -.... | (no letter) |
| 7 | --... | -... | B |
| 8 | ---.. | -.. | D |
| 9 | ----. | -. | N |
This is exactly why cut numbers work — and why they confuse.
Mixing up 6 and 1, 9 and 0; miscounting signals
6 (-....) and 1 (.----) are easy to mix up: same shape with dots and dashes swapped. 9 (----.) and 0 (-----) differ by one final signal. Slow down on these pairs. And always count: a digit with four or six signals is a mistake, not a digit.
Cut Numbers — Ham Radio Shorthand
Full cut-number chart
In fast Morse exchanges, operators shorten digits by cutting repeated dashes to a single dash, keeping all dots. The result matches the confusion table above — that is the point. Both sides know numbers are intended.
The mapping: 0 becomes T (-), 1 becomes A (.-), 2 becomes U (..-), 3 becomes V (...-), 7 becomes B (-...), 8 becomes D (-..), 9 becomes N (-.). Only 4 and 6 stay unchanged. The one choice is 5: a single dot (.) or the full ..... . Many operators keep the full five dots for 5, since a single dot is easy to miss.
When to use them, when never to use them
Use cut numbers only when both sides expect numbers — for example, a signal report. Never use them in a mixed message, where the receiver cannot tell whether A means the letter A or the digit 1. The classic example: a 599 signal report sent as 5NN (5, then N for 9, N for 9). In a report, N can only mean 9. In a word, N means N.
International vs American Morse Numbers
International Morse is the worldwide standard. American Morse (Railroad Morse) is the older US landline system, and its digit codes are different:
| Digit | International | American |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ----- | Long dash |
| 1 | .---- | .--. |
| 2 | ..--- | ..-.. |
| 3 | ...-- | ...-. |
| 4 | ....- | ....- |
| 5 | ..... | --- |
| 6 | -.... | ...... |
| 7 | --... | --.. |
| 8 | ---.. | -.... |
| 9 | ----. | -..- |
American Morse also uses spaced dots and a long dash, so it reads differently even where a code looks similar. Note the traps: 4 matches in both systems, and American 8 (-....) equals International 6.
Which one to learn
Learn International Morse. It is the system used worldwide today, in ham radio, aviation, and everywhere else on this site. Learn American Morse only if you are studying telegraph history.
Where Morse Code Numbers Are Used
Ham radio
Numbers carry signal reports, frequencies, and contest exchanges. The RST system rates readability (1–5), signal strength (1–9), and tone (1–9). A 599 report means perfectly readable, extremely strong signal, perfect tone — sent in cut form as 5NN. Callsigns mix letters and digits (W1AW). Two famous number abbreviations: 73 means "best regards," 88 means "love and kisses."
Aviation beacons, emergency signaling, assistive tech, tattoos and jewelry
Aviation navigation beacons identify themselves in Morse, letters and numbers. In emergencies, numbers send coordinates, counts, and times. Assistive technology uses Morse input for people who cannot use a keyboard. And people encode dates and years as tattoos and jewelry — a birthday or anniversary in dots and dashes.
Practice Drills
Encode 5 numbers
Convert these to Morse: 7, 42, 100, 1988, 2015.
Decode 5 patterns
Identify these: ....., .----, --..., ----., and by ear: di-dah-dah-dah-dah.
Practice with the site translator
Type any number into the translator and check your answers.
Answer key
Encode: 7 = --...; 42 = ....- ..---; 100 = .---- ----- -----; 1988 = .---- ----. ---.. ---..; 2015 = ..--- ----- .---- .....
Decode: ..... = 5; .---- = 1; --... = 7; ----. = 9; di-dah-dah-dah-dah = 1.
FAQ
What is 0 in Morse code?
0 is -----, five dashes.
What is 5 in Morse code?
5 is ....., five dots.
Is 1 in Morse code one dot or one dash?
Neither alone — 1 is .----, one dot followed by four dashes. The dot tells you it is in the 1–5 group; the count of dots tells you which digit.
How do I write 2026 in Morse code?
Convert each digit: ..--- ----- ..--- -....
Are numbers easier than letters?
For most learners, yes. All ten digits follow one pattern and one length. Letters vary from one to four signals with no single pattern.
Why does every number use 5 signals?
The digit set was designed with a fixed length: five signals make every digit the same length, so numbers stand out from letters and are easy to check — just count to five.
What are cut numbers?
Shortened digit codes used in fast ham radio exchanges: repeated dashes cut to one dash. 599 becomes 5NN. Use them only when both sides expect numbers.
How do I write a phone number in Morse code?
Convert each digit, keep three-dot gaps between digits, and use a longer pause or slash between groups: 555-123-4567 → ..... ..... ..... / .---- ..--- ...-- / ....- ..... -.... --...
Are numbers the same worldwide?
In International Morse, yes. American Morse (the old US landline system) uses different digit codes — see the comparison above.
Can I send numbers with a flashlight?
Yes. Same codes: short flash = dot, long flash = dash. Keep the same gaps — three dot-lengths between digits.
How long does it take to learn?
The ten codes and the pattern fit in one focused session. Reading them fast and without thinking takes regular short practice.
Are there numbers in Morse code?
Yes — all ten digits, 0–9, each with its own five-signal code.
What does 73 mean in Morse code?
In ham radio, 73 means "best regards." (88 means "love and kisses.")
Can I use numbers for a tattoo?
Yes — dates and years are the most common choice. Convert each digit of the date, and double-check spacing before it becomes permanent.