What Are Signal Reports?
A signal report tells another operator how well you're receiving their transmission. It's a quick, standardized way to communicate signal quality so operators can adjust their power, antenna, or position if needed. Signal reports are commonly exchanged at the beginning of a conversation, during net check-ins, or whenever someone asks "How do you copy?" Understanding how to give a proper signal report is a basic skill every radio operator should have.
The RST System
The standard signal report format is called RST, which stands for Readability, Signal Strength, and Tone. For voice (or "phone") communications, you only need the first two: RS.
Readability (R) — Scale of 1 to 5
How understandable is the voice or message?
- 1 — Unreadable
- 2 — Barely readable, occasional words distinguishable
- 3 — Readable with considerable difficulty
- 4 — Readable with practically no difficulty
- 5 — Perfectly readable
Signal Strength (S) — Scale of 1 to 9
How strong is the signal?
- 1 — Faint, signals barely perceptible
- 2 — Very weak signals
- 3 — Weak signals
- 4 — Fair signals
- 5 — Fairly good signals
- 6 — Good signals
- 7 — Moderately strong signals
- 8 — Strong signals
- 9 — Extremely strong signals
What About Tone?
The "T" in RST is only used for CW (Morse code) and some digital modes. It rates the purity of the tone from 1 (extremely rough) to 9 (perfect tone). For voice communications, skip it entirely — just give the RS portion.
How to Give a Signal Report
When giving a voice signal report, say the readability number first, then the signal strength. You can say them as separate numbers or together.
Common Ways to Say It
- "Five by nine" or "5 by 9" — Perfect readability, extremely strong signal
- "Five nine" or "5-9" — Same thing, shorthand
- "Four by seven" — Readable with no difficulty, moderately strong
- "Three by five" — Readable with some difficulty, fairly good signal
Example Exchange
"KD6ABC, this is WA7XYZ. How do you copy? Over."
"WA7XYZ, you're five by nine into Oakland. How me? Over."
"Copy, you're also five nine. Good signal tonight. Over."
When to Give Signal Reports
- During net check-ins: Many nets ask for a signal report as part of your check-in.
- When asked: If someone says "How do you copy?" or "What's my signal?", give them a report.
- At the start of a QSO: It's common practice to exchange reports when you first make contact.
- When conditions change: If someone's signal gets weaker or stronger, let them know.
Be Honest
Don't just say "five nine" every time out of habit. A genuine signal report helps the other operator understand their actual performance. If they're scratchy or weak, tell them — it helps them improve their setup or know when they're pushing the limits of their range.
Quick Reference
Here's a quick cheat sheet you can memorize:
- 5-9: "Loud and clear" — the best possible
- 5-7: Good signal, perfectly readable
- 4-5: Decent but not great
- 3-3: Struggling to copy, weak signal
- 1-1: Can barely tell someone is there
That's all there is to it. Practice giving honest signal reports and you'll sound like a pro on the air in no time.
73, The Lefty Radio League