SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/hamg-cw-spacing

What minimum spacing should CW stations use to avoid interfering with neighbors?

150 to 500 Hz.

Start playing free

  1. 5 Hz to 50 Hz
  2. 150 Hz to 500 Hz ✔
  3. 1 kHz to 3 kHz

Why: A CW signal is very narrow, so stations can sit close together. Leaving 150 to 500 Hz between signals keeps neighbors from stepping on each other.

Huh, didn't know that: For SSB the recommended spacing is much wider, 2 kHz to 3 kHz.

The dad joke
You know you're a ham when you start talking to your spouse and kids in Morse code.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: 150 Hz to 500 Hz. A CW signal is very narrow, so stations can sit close together. Leaving 150 to 500 Hz between signals keeps neighbors from stepping on each other.

  1. NCVEC 2023-2027 General Class Pool and Syllabus (6th Errata, Feb 4 2026) ncvec.org/downloads/General%20Class%20Pool%20and%20Syllabus%202023-2027%20Public%20Release%20with%206th%20Errata%20Feb%204%202026.pdf
    150 Hz to 500 Hz
    Checked 2026-10-10.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Ham RadioWhat speed should you use when answering a CQ in Morse code?Ham RadioOn which of these bands is voice (phone) operation prohibited?Ham RadioWhat must hams do when the amateur service is a secondary user on a band?

That's stuff everyone should know.