Most Common Q-Codes in Amateur Radio
| Code | As a Question | As a Statement |
|---|---|---|
| QRZ | Who is calling me? | You are being called by… |
| QSO | Can you communicate with…? | I can communicate with… / A two-way contact |
| QSL | Can you acknowledge? | I confirm receipt / Confirmed |
| QRM | Is my signal being interfered with? | Your signal is being interfered with |
| QRN | Are you troubled by static? | I am troubled by static |
| QRO | Shall I increase power? | Increase transmitter power |
| QRP | Shall I decrease power? | Decrease power / Low-power operating |
| QRT | Shall I stop transmitting? | I am stopping transmission / Shutting down |
| QRX | When will you call again? | Stand by / Please wait |
| QSB | Are my signals fading? | Your signals are fading |
| QSY | Shall I change frequency? | Change frequency to… |
| QTH | What is your location? | My location is… |
| QRB | How far apart are we? | The distance between us is… |
| QSK | Can you hear between transmissions? | I can hear between my signals (break-in CW) |
| QST | — | General call to all stations (ARRL bulletin) |
QRP — Low Power Operating
QRP deserves special attention because it has evolved beyond a Q-code into a distinct operating philosophy. QRP operators intentionally limit transmit power to 5 watts or less — sometimes 1 watt or even milliwatts — and treat making contacts under extreme power restriction as the primary challenge. There is an active QRP community with its own contests (QRP-ARCI events), kit-building culture (small, efficient transceivers), and dedicated calling frequencies. Many operators find QRP operating more satisfying than running high power because the skill requirement is higher.
Using Q-Codes on Voice
Q-codes originated in CW (Morse code) where brevity saves time. On voice, experienced hams use common codes as shorthand in conversation: "QSL" instead of "understood," "QTH" instead of "location," "QSY to 147.52" instead of "let's change to 147.52 MHz." You do not need to use Q-codes in every transmission — plain English is always acceptable. They are conventions, not requirements.
- Where did Q-codes come from?Q-codes were standardized by the British government in 1912 for maritime Morse code communications and later expanded by the ITU for international use. They solved the problem of language barriers in international radio communications — a QSL means "acknowledged" in every language. Amateur radio adopted them from commercial and maritime telegraphy and has used them ever since.
Informational only. Verify current rules at fcc.gov and arrl.org. Not affiliated with the FCC, ARRL, or any VEC.