What is X in Morse code?

X is a dash, two dots and a dash (−··−). Framed by dahs, it sounds like two long bookends around a quick double tap.

Is X the multiplication sign in Morse code?

Yes. ITU-R M.1677-1 sends the multiplication sign with the same signal as the letter X, so 2 X 3 on the air reads as two times three. The context tells you which one is meant.

Is X the same as the slash in Morse code?

Not quite. The slash (−··−·) is X with one more dot at the end. Listen for that final dit, because the slash turns up often in call signs and fractions.

The Letter X in Morse Code

X is −··−: 2 short dis and 2 long dahs, dah-di-di-dah. It lasts 11 units.

−··−dah-di-di-dah

X drawn to time: 11 units, then a 3-unit gap before the next letter.

SpeedSlow · 8 WPMNormal · 18 WPMFast · 25 WPM

Facts about X

Code: −··− · dah-di-di-dah
Elements: 4 — 2 dots, 2 dashes
Length: 11 units + 3 before the next letter
Time: 0.66 s at 20 WPM · 1.65 s at 8 WPM
Tree: T → N → D → X · a leaf: no sign below it
Frequency: 0.23% of English letters, 23rd of 26²
Koch order: 41st sign of the course
Spelling: X-ray
Same signal: Ь in Russian Morse · Ξ in Greek Morse · マ in Wabun

§ 1Don’t confuse X with

Xthis letterdah-di-di-dah
Uone element shorterdi-di-dah
Done element shorterdah-di-dit
Kone element shorterdah-di-dah
Vfirst element differsdi-di-di-dah
Blast element differsdah-di-di-dit
Yelement 3 differsdah-di-dah-dah
Qelement 2 differsdah-dah-di-dah
Pmirror: every di and dah swappeddi-dah-dah-dit

Blue marks the elements that differ from X.

§ 2How to remember X

X marks the SPOT (−··−) — X mirrors P (·−−·): X keeps its dahs on the outside, P keeps them inside.

§ 3Words with X

§ 4Questions about X

What is X in Morse code?: X is a dash, two dots and a dash (−··−). Framed by dahs, it sounds like two long bookends around a quick double tap.
Is X the multiplication sign in Morse code?: Yes. ITU-R M.1677-1 sends the multiplication sign with the same signal as the letter X, so 2 X 3 on the air reads as two times three. The context tells you which one is meant.
Is X the same as the slash in Morse code?: Not quite. The slash (−··−·) is X with one more dot at the end. Listen for that final dit, because the slash turns up often in call signs and fractions.