The number 6 in Morse code is where the “numbers ladder” flips. Digits 1–5 start with dots, but 6 starts with a dash and then runs into four dots. Once you feel that shift, decoding numbers becomes way less random and way more automatic.
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- What is 6 in Morse code?
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This page gives you a focused guide to the digit 6: its exact pattern, timing rules, look-alikes, and drills that make it automatic.
6 in Morse code: the exact pattern
6 = -….
That’s: dash, dot, dot, dot, dot.
A clean way to “hear” it is:
long — short — short — short — short
The key rule: digits are always 5 signals
All Morse code numbers (0–9) use exactly 5 signals. That makes 6 easy to confirm: it starts with one long dash, then finishes with four short dots.
If the first pulse is long, you’re probably in the 6–0 zone.
Timing rules for 6 (the part that actually matters)
Morse timing uses units:
- Dot = 1 unit
- Dash = 3 units
- Gap between signals inside the same character = 1 unit
- Gap between characters (letters or numbers) = 3 units
- Gap between words = 7 units
So for 6 (-….), you’re sending:
dash (3)
gap (1)
dot (1)
gap (1)
dot (1)
gap (1)
dot (1)
gap (1)
dot (1)
Then you leave a full character gap (3 units) before the next character.
Most common mistakes with 6
- The first dash is too short
If your dash becomes a dot, you’ve basically turned the start into “5 energy” and everything collapses. Make the dash a full 3 units. - You lose count of the four dots
At speed, four dots can blur together. Keep the internal 1-unit gaps clean and count the dots. - You rush after the last dot
Because it ends with dots, people roll into the next character too fast. Give the full 3-unit character gap.
6 vs similar patterns (quick comparisons)
6 (-….) vs 5 (…..)
5 is all dots. 6 starts with a dash. If the first sound is long, it’s not 5.
6 (-….) vs 4 (….-)
They’re mirror partners: 6 starts with dash then dots, 4 starts with dots then ends with dash. Great pair to drill.
6 (-….) vs B (-…)
B is dash + three dots (4 signals). 6 is dash + four dots (5 signals). Numbers always go to five.
6 (-….) vs 7 (–…)
7 starts with two dashes; 6 starts with one. Count the opening dashes.
Fast practice drills (low effort, high payoff)
Drill 1: Mirror pairing
Alternate:
4, 6, 4, 6
This trains you to notice where the dash sits (end vs start).
Drill 2: Dash-count ladder
Send:
6, 7, 8, 9, 0
You’ll feel the pattern shift from “dash-heavy” to “all dashes.”
Drill 3: 5 vs 6 separation
Alternate:
5, 6, 5, 6
Your brain learns “first signal decides the digit family.”
Drill 4: Real-world strings
Practice:
66, 606, 160, 2026
Focus on clean 3-unit gaps between digits so they don’t blend.