Z in Morse Code
The letter Z is the twenty-sixth and last letter of the English alphabet. Z in Morse code is sent as –..: two long signals followed by two short ones.
Z in Morse code: pattern and timing
- Dots: 2
- Dashes: 2
- Total length: 11 time units (two dashes of 3 units, two dots of 1 unit, and three gaps of 1 unit each)
Its two long signals come first, so the start of the letter sounds heavier than the end.
How to hear Z
Z is “dah-dah-dit-dit”: two long taps, then two short taps. Listen for the two long sounds at the start. If the message ends with two short taps after two long ones, it is Z.
Letters that sound similar
Z is easy to confuse with letters whose pattern differs from it by one signal:
- G (–.): two dashes and one dot, so Z has one extra short tap at the end
- Q (–.-): the last tap is long instead of short
- D (-..): one dash fewer at the start
- B (-…): the second tap is short instead of long
- L (.-..): the first tap is short instead of long
The quickest test is to count the long taps at the start. Z has exactly two, and both come before the short taps.
Words that use Z
- ZERO: –.. . .-. —
- ZONE: –.. — -. .
- ZOO: –.. — —
- DOZEN (Z in the middle): -.. — –.. . -.
Letters are separated by a single space, and words by a slash (/). Test any of these words in the Morse code to text decoder.
Practice
Practice Z next to G and Q with the Morse code practice tools. Once you can hear the two long taps clearly, practice the rest of the letters from the Morse code alphabet page.
How long Z lasts at 20 WPM
At 20 words per minute, one time unit lasts about 60 milliseconds. Z is 11 units long, so the whole letter takes about 660 milliseconds, which makes it one of the longer letters to send. Z in Morse code has two long signals at the start, so the rhythm is easy to spot once you know it.
More words that use Z
- ZEBRA: –.. . -… .-. .-
- ZIP: –.. .. .–.
Z in Morse code appears at the start of these words, and it is easy to recognize there because the two long signals come first. Practice these together with ZERO, ZONE, and ZOO so the rhythm becomes automatic.
Practice drill for Z
Send Z in Morse code five times in a row at 15 WPM, then send ZIP and ZEBRA. Listen for two long tones followed by two short ones each time. If the sound ends after one long tone, you are hearing T. If the last tap is long, you are probably hearing Q. The Morse code practice tools are a good place to repeat this drill.
The timing rules for every letter follow the International Telecommunication Union recommendation ITU-R M.1677-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Z in Morse code?
Z in Morse code is –.. (two dashes, then two dots).
How long is Z in Morse code?
Z in Morse code lasts 11 time units in total, including the gaps inside the letter.
Which letters sound like Z?
G (–.) and Q (–.-) are the closest, because each differs from Z by one signal.