Morse Code Numbers — Complete 0–9 Guide
Numbers in International Morse Code use a consistent five-element structure. Digits 1 through 5 start with dots; digits 6 through 9 start with dashes. Zero stands alone as five dashes with no dots. Once you know the alphabet, numbers typically take one to two weeks of daily practice to copy fluently at 10 WPM.
Numbers appear in every ham radio contact: callsigns (W1AW), signal reports (599), serial numbers in contests, and dates. Drill them in random order — not 1-2-3-4-5 — to build real copying skill.
The Five-Element Number Pattern
Every Morse digit uses exactly five dot or dash elements. This regular structure makes numbers easier to learn than they first appear:
| Digit | Morse | Pattern Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ----- | Five dashes — no dots |
| 1 | .---- | 1 dot + 4 dashes |
| 2 | ..--- | 2 dots + 3 dashes |
| 3 | ...-- | 3 dots + 2 dashes |
| 4 | ....- | 4 dots + 1 dash |
| 5 | ..... | 5 dots — all dots |
| 6 | -.... | 1 dash + 4 dots |
| 7 | --... | 2 dashes + 3 dots |
| 8 | ---.. | 3 dashes + 2 dots |
| 9 | ----. | 4 dashes + 1 dot |
Practice Groups for Radio Operators
- 599 — standard RST signal report (
..... ----. -----. / ..... ----. -----.) - 73 — ham radio "best regards" (
--... ...--) - 88 — "love and kisses" (
---.. ---..) - 2026 — year/date practice with mixed digits
- Your callsign digits — personalize practice for exam or on-air prep
When to Learn Numbers
Numbers are Phase 4 in our learning curriculum — after the full alphabet at 10 WPM with 90% accuracy. Attempting numbers too early splits focus. Master A–Z first, then add digits in one session per day for a week.