CW operating • ITU origin
Q-codes in Morse code
Q-codes are three-letter abbreviations starting with Q. Each works as both a question (with a ?) and an answer (without). Originally from international maritime/aero use, now standard in ham CW. Tap any code for its full page with examples and Morse rendering.
Reference table
| Code | As a question | As an answer | More |
|---|---|---|---|
| QRA | What is the name of your station? | The name of my station is … | Detail → |
| QRG | What is my exact frequency? | Your exact frequency is … | Detail → |
| QRK | What is the readability of my signals (1–5)? | Your readability is … | Detail → |
| QRL | Are you busy / is this frequency in use? | I am busy / this frequency is in use. Please do not interfere. | Detail → |
| QRM | Is there man-made interference on my signal? | There is man-made interference (QRM). | Detail → |
| QRN | Are you troubled by static (natural noise)? | I am troubled by static (lightning, atmospheric noise). | Detail → |
| QRO | Shall I increase transmit power? | Increase your power. | Detail → |
| QRP | Shall I decrease transmit power? | Decrease your power. (Also: I am operating QRP.) | Detail → |
| QRQ | Shall I send faster? | Send faster (… WPM). | Detail → |
| QRS | Shall I send slower? | Send slower (… WPM). | Detail → |
| QRT | Shall I stop sending? | I am closing down / stop sending. | Detail → |
| QRU | Have you anything for me? | I have nothing for you. | Detail → |
| QRV | Are you ready? | I am ready. | Detail → |
| QRX | When will you call me again? | Stand by / I will call you at … | Detail → |
| QRZ | Who is calling me? | You are being called by … | Detail → |
| QSB | Are my signals fading? | Your signals are fading. | Detail → |
| QSL | Can you acknowledge receipt? | I confirm receipt. | Detail → |
| QSO | Can you communicate directly with …? | I can communicate directly with … | Detail → |
| QSY | Shall I change frequency? | Change to frequency … | Detail → |
| QTH | What is your location? | My location is … | Detail → |
| QTR | What is the correct time? | The correct time is … | Detail → |
Examples
- QRZ? — “Who is calling me?”
- QTH? FN31 — “Where are you? — FN31 (Maidenhead grid)”
- QSY 14.040 — “Move to 14.040 MHz.”
- QSL TNX 73 — “Confirmed. Thanks. Best regards.”