SK is the clean, professional way to end a Morse code contact. If AR is “end of this message block,” SK is the real “we’re done here” sign-off. In CW, nets, training exchanges, and structured practice, using SK correctly is what separates “random beeps” from real operating behavior.
People often search for things like:
What does SK mean in Morse code?
What is SK in Morse code?
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This page gives you the exact SK pattern, what it means, how timing works, and how to practice it so you use it correctly.
SK in Morse code: the exact pattern
SK = …-.-
That’s:
dot, dot, dot, dash, dot, dash
Written clearly:
…-.-
What SK means (in plain English)
SK means:
End of contact / final sign-off.
Think of it as:
“Conversation finished. No more messages from me.”
It’s commonly used when you’re completely done transmitting and you’re closing the exchange.
SK vs other “ending” signals (don’t mix these)
SK is not a paragraph break.
SK = end of the entire contact (final sign-off)
AR = end of this message block (but contact can continue)
If you’re still in the conversation and might send more, AR fits.
If you’re done and leaving the frequency, SK fits.
Timing rules for SK (this is the whole game)
Morse timing uses units:
Dot = 1 unit
Dash = 3 units
Gap between elements inside one character = 1 unit
Gap between characters = 3 units
Gap between words = 7 units
SK is sent as a single procedural signal, meaning you send …-.- with normal inside-character spacing (1 unit between each element), then you separate it from surrounding text with the standard character gap.
So SK should feel “tight” inside:
…-.-
Then a clear pause after it (3 units) before anything else (if anything comes after, you’re basically contradicting the sign-off).
Common SK mistakes (avoid these)
People send it like two separate letters or chunks
If you accidentally insert character gaps inside SK, it stops reading like a procedural signal and turns into confusing fragments. Keep it as one tight pattern.
Confusing SK with AR
AR = .-.-. (end of message block)
SK = …-.- (end of contact)
They do different jobs. Treat SK like the “hard stop.”
Using SK while continuing to transmit
If you send SK and then keep talking, you break the logic of the exchange. If you still have more to send, use AR between blocks and save SK for the actual end.
Rushing the rhythm
SK has a distinct “dot-dot-dot then dash” feel, then it snaps into “dot dash” at the end. If you blur the timing, it can become hard to copy.
How to use SK (simple examples)
Example 1: A clean final sign-off
MESSAGE SK
Meaning:
“I’m done. Contact ended.”
Example 2: Structured ending after message blocks
PART ONE AR
PART TWO AR
FINAL PART SK
Meaning:
You used AR for internal structure, then SK to close everything.
Example 3: Ending after a last confirmation
OK RGR SK
Meaning:
“Acknowledged. Ending contact.”
Practice drills (fast and effective)
Drill 1: Rhythm lock
Send SK ten times:
…-.-
Focus on:
three crisp dots, then a clean dash, then dot-dash with consistent inside gaps.
Drill 2: SK vs AR separation
Alternate:
AR (.-.-.) then SK (…-.-)
Your goal:
AR feels like a “zig-zag,” SK feels like “three dots then a decisive end.”
Drill 3: End-of-contact mindset
Write on paper:
AR = end of message
SK = end of contact
Then practice sending:
AR, AR, SK
So your brain stops mixing “message structure” with “final sign-off.”