Morse Code for "3" — Pattern, Mnemonic & Audio

···−−
3 = ···−− (3 dits, 2 dahs)

Mnemonic

i-di-ot-THREE-TREES

Syllable-based memory aid

Koch Lesson

Lesson 29

When this character is introduced

Timing

1 + 1 + 1 + 3 + 3 units

At 20 WPM: 540ms total

Type

Number

International Morse Code (ITU-R M.1677-1)

Common Words with 3

THIRD3LETTER73300HZ3MIN

Abbreviated Numeral (Cut Number)

···−−
Full (5 elements)
···−
Cut = V

Cut number: V (···−). The V for Victory signal (···−) is also the Morse for the number 3 in cut form. Famous from WWII.

In Amateur Radio

Appears in the 30m band (10 MHz), 3.5 MHz (80m band), and RST reports. Cut number: V (···−). Beethoven's Fifth — da-da-da-DUM.

In Aviation

Appears in 3-letter airport codes (JFK, LHR, DXB), VOR identifiers, and approach categories (CAT III).

In Maritime

Appears in the 3-letter ITU country prefixes, vessel call signs, and the three-minute silent periods on 500 kHz.

Practice Strings Containing 3