How this Morse code translator works
Morse code encodes every letter, digit and common punctuation mark as a short pattern of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). This translator uses the standard International Morse table. When you type into the Text box it builds the matching dots and dashes; when you type into the Morse box it reads the patterns back into letters. Both boxes stay in sync, so you can work in either direction.
The rules for spacing matter. Within a letter, symbols sit right next to each other. Letters are separated by a single space, and words are separated by a slash (/) or a longer gap. A dash lasts three times as long as a dot — the same timing the Play button uses when it beeps your message aloud.
· · ·, O = — — —, S = · · ·. Written together that is · · · — — — · · · (or ... --- ...). To decode it, split on the spaces, look up each group, and you get S, O, S back again.International Morse alphabet chart
| Character | Morse | Character | Morse |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | · — | N | — · |
| B | — · · · | O | — — — |
| C | — · — · | P | · — — · |
| D | — · · | Q | — — · — |
| E | · | R | · — · |
| F | · · — · | S | · · · |
| G | — — · | T | — |
| H | · · · · | U | · · — |
| I | · · | V | · · · — |
| J | · — — — | W | · — — |
| K | — · — | X | — · · — |
| L | · — · · | Y | — · — — |
| M | — — | Z | — — · · |
| 0 | — — — — — | 5 | · · · · · |
| 1 | · — — — — | 6 | — · · · · |
| 2 | · · — — — | 7 | — — · · · |
| 3 | · · · — — | 8 | — — — · · |
| 4 | · · · · — | 9 | — — — — · |
Reference note: letters use a single-space separator and words use a slash. Unknown sequences in the Morse box are shown as a question mark ( ? ) when decoded.
Frequently asked questions
- How do I write SOS in Morse code?
- SOS is three dots, three dashes, three dots: · · · — — — · · · (
... --- ...). It is sent as one continuous distress signal rather than three spaced-out letters. - How does Morse code work?
- Each letter, number and punctuation mark is a pattern of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes), where a dash lasts three times as long as a dot. Short gaps separate letters and longer gaps separate words, so beeps, lights or written dots and dashes can spell out any message.
- What is the most common Morse code letter?
- E — the most frequent letter in English — has the shortest code of all: a single dot ( · ). Morse gave the shortest codes to the most common letters to keep transmissions quick.
- How do I decode Morse code?
- Split the Morse into groups separated by spaces, look each group up in the International Morse table, and treat a slash ( / ) or long gap as a new word. Paste your dots and dashes into the Morse box above and it decodes automatically.
- Can I hear the Morse code?
- Yes — the Play button beeps it for you. A dot is a short beep and a dash is a longer beep (three times as long), with standard gaps between symbols, letters and words. Press Stop to end playback.
- Is Morse code still used?
- Yes. It is still used by amateur (ham) radio operators, in some aviation and maritime navigation aids, and as a low-bandwidth, accessible way to signal — including the universally recognised SOS distress call.