Q-Codes in Morse Code

Common Morse Q-codes (QTH, QSL, QRS, QRZ…) with patterns, meanings, audio, and difference from prosigns.

Direct answer: Q-codes are three-letter operating codes (QTH, QSL, QRS…). In Morse they are sent as ordinary letters with letter spacing — not as prosigns.

Common Q-Codes Morse Chart

Starter set for CW learners — not every Q-code ever published.

CodeMorseMeaningUseAudio
QTH--.- - ....LocationAsk/state station location
QSL--.- ... .-..ConfirmAcknowledge receipt / QSL card
QRZ--.- .-. --..Who is calling?Ask who called you
QRM--.- .-. --InterferenceMan-made interference
QRN--.- .-. -.StaticNatural noise/static
QRS--.- .-. ...Send slowerPlease reduce speed
QRQ--.- .-. --.-Send fasterPlease increase speed
QRT--.- .-. -Stop sendingI am stopping / closing

Q-Codes vs Abbreviations vs Prosigns

  • Q-codes — three-letter questions/statements (this page).
  • Abbreviations — CQ, DE, 73 — see abbreviations.
  • Prosigns — continuous procedural signals (AR, SK) — see prosigns.

Deep pages: CQ · 73.

Common Mistakes / Lookalikes

Keep Q-codes letter-spaced and purpose-clear.

Treating Q-Codes as Prosigns

QTH is Q-T-H with letter gaps, not one fused character.

Memorising 100 Codes First

Learn QRS/QRQ/QTH/QSL/QRZ before rare codes.

Ignoring Context

Same Q-code can ask or answer depending on how it is used in traffic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Three-letter operating codes sent as normal Morse letters to speed routine questions.