Morse code is a character-encoding system that represents letters, numbers, and punctuation as sequences of short signals (dits, written as dots) and long signals (dahs, written as dashes). Invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s for use with the electric telegraph, it became the first widely used digital communication system. The international standard (ITU) version is still used today in aviation, amateur radio, and accessibility applications.

How do I read Morse code?

Each letter is a unique combination of dots (.) and dashes (-). A dash is three times the length of a dot. Letters are separated by a gap equal to three dots, and words are separated by a gap equal to seven dots (written as /). For example, SOS is ... --- ... (three dots, three dashes, three dots). Use the reference chart on this page to look up any character.

What does SOS stand for in Morse code?

SOS (... --- ...) is the international distress signal. Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship" — it was chosen because the pattern of three dots, three dashes, three dots is easy to transmit and recognize, even by untrained operators. It was adopted internationally in 1906.

How fast is Morse code measured?

Morse code speed is measured in WPM (Words Per Minute), where the standard reference word is "PARIS" which equals 50 dot-units. At 15 WPM, each dot lasts 80 milliseconds. Beginners typically start at 5-10 WPM, competent operators work at 15-25 WPM, and experts can exceed 40 WPM. Our audio playback lets you adjust speed from 5 to 40 WPM.

Is Morse code still used today?

Yes. Although largely replaced by digital communications, Morse code is still used in amateur (ham) radio, aviation navigation aids (VOR/NDB stations identify with Morse), military communications, and accessibility tools for people with disabilities. Its simplicity means it can be transmitted with minimal equipment — even a flashlight or by tapping.

How does the audio playback work?

The audio playback uses the Web Audio API to generate sine-wave tones in your browser — no audio files are downloaded. A dot (dit) plays for one time unit, a dash (dah) for three units, with silence gaps between elements (1 unit), letters (3 units), and words (7 units). You can adjust the tone frequency (400-1000 Hz) and speed (5-40 WPM).

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Morse Code Translator

Morse code encodes letters as dots (.) and dashes (-). Each letter has a unique pattern: A = .-, B = -..., S = ..., O = ---. SOS = ... --- ... Spaces between letters use 3 dot-lengths; between words, 7 dot-lengths. Speed is measured in WPM where the reference word "PARIS" equals 50 dot-units. International Morse Code (ITU) is the standard used worldwide in amateur radio, aviation, and emergency signaling.

Translate text to Morse code and Morse code to text in real time. Listen to Morse audio with adjustable speed (WPM) using Web Audio API. Visual dot/dash display, full reference chart for letters, numbers, and punctuation, and international character support.

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Audio Playback

Speed: 15 WPM

Tone: 600 Hz

Reference Chart

How to Use

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Morse code?: Morse code is a character-encoding system that represents letters, numbers, and punctuation as sequences of short signals (dits, written as dots) and long signals (dahs, written as dashes). Invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s for use with the electric telegraph, it became the first widely used digital communication system. The international standard (ITU) version is still used today in aviation, amateur radio, and accessibility applications.
How do I read Morse code?: Each letter is a unique combination of dots (.) and dashes (-). A dash is three times the length of a dot. Letters are separated by a gap equal to three dots, and words are separated by a gap equal to seven dots (written as /). For example, SOS is ... --- ... (three dots, three dashes, three dots). Use the reference chart on this page to look up any character.
What does SOS stand for in Morse code?: SOS (... --- ...) is the international distress signal. Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship" — it was chosen because the pattern of three dots, three dashes, three dots is easy to transmit and recognize, even by untrained operators. It was adopted internationally in 1906.
How fast is Morse code measured?: Morse code speed is measured in WPM (Words Per Minute), where the standard reference word is "PARIS" which equals 50 dot-units. At 15 WPM, each dot lasts 80 milliseconds. Beginners typically start at 5-10 WPM, competent operators work at 15-25 WPM, and experts can exceed 40 WPM. Our audio playback lets you adjust speed from 5 to 40 WPM.
Is Morse code still used today?: Yes. Although largely replaced by digital communications, Morse code is still used in amateur (ham) radio, aviation navigation aids (VOR/NDB stations identify with Morse), military communications, and accessibility tools for people with disabilities. Its simplicity means it can be transmitted with minimal equipment — even a flashlight or by tapping.
How does the audio playback work?: The audio playback uses the Web Audio API to generate sine-wave tones in your browser — no audio files are downloaded. A dot (dit) plays for one time unit, a dash (dah) for three units, with silence gaps between elements (1 unit), letters (3 units), and words (7 units). You can adjust the tone frequency (400-1000 Hz) and speed (5-40 WPM).