Ham Radio Q-Codes and Q-Signals — Complete Reference

Q-codes are three-letter abbreviations beginning with Q that ham radio operators use in place of common phrases. Originally standardised in 1912 for radiotelegraph communication, they have been in continuous use ever since and appear on every mode — CW, phone, digital and even face-to-face conversation at club meetings. Each code can be a statement or, followed by a question mark, a question.

Each Q-code works as both a statement and a question. Without a question mark it is a statement: QTH means “My location is —” and you follow it with your location. With a question mark it becomes a question: QTH? means “What is your location?” On CW the question mark is sent as the prosign IMI (.. -- ..); on phone you simply say the code followed by “question” or raise your voice.

On voice you will often hear Q-codes used as nouns: “There is lots of QRM tonight” or “My QTH is Springfield.” While technically imprecise, this usage is universally understood and perfectly acceptable in casual operation.

Q-codes were created to bridge language barriers between operators who did not share a common language. A German operator and an American operator with no shared language could still exchange QTH, QSL and QRN because the codes meant the same thing to both. That universal character is why they have endured for over a century.

New hams should start by learning the dozen or so Q-codes they will hear in almost every contact. QRZ? (who is calling me?) is used constantly after finishing a contact to invite the next caller. QSL confirms receipt of information and is also the word for the confirmation cards hams exchange. QRM and QRN describe the two kinds of interference — QRM from other stations, QRN from atmospheric noise and static. QSB describes fading, QSY a frequency change, and QRP has taken on a life of its own as shorthand for low-power operating even in contexts far removed from its original meaning of “reduce your transmitter power.”