Exclamation mark in Morse code

The exclamation mark (!) is dash dot dash dot dash dash in Morse code, said “dah-di-dah-di-dah-dah”. It sounds like the letters KW sent without gaps, and lasts 19 units, which is 1140 ms at 20 WPM.

Not part of the ITU standard

The exclamation mark is not in ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard. Charts and software use -.-.--, but not every operator will recognise it, so spell it out when it matters.

The exclamation mark on a timing ruler

Characters that sound like the exclamation mark

These are the characters most often copied by mistake for the exclamation mark, and why.

;One element different

Can you hear the difference?

Listen, then pick the one you heard.

The exclamation mark in use

Older North American practice used a different code, ---. (MN), so you may still see both.

At a glance

Morse code: -.-.--
Sounds like: dah-di-dah-di-dah-dah
Letters run together: KW
Length: 19 units
ITU standard: No

Sources: ITU-R M.1677-1, the International Morse code standard (International Telecommunication Union, 2009). Symbols outside the standard follow common practice in charts and software.

Hear the exclamation mark