How Morse code works
Morse code writes each letter as a pattern of short signals (dots, “dit”) and long signals (dashes, “dah”). Timing is everything:
- A dash lasts 3 dots. The gap inside a letter is 1 dot, between letters 3 dots, and between words 7 dots.
- At 20 words per minute (WPM), one dot lasts 60 ms (dot length in ms = 1200 ÷ WPM).
- In written Morse, letters are separated by spaces and words by a slash ( / ).
| Letter | Code | Letter | Code | Letter | Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | ·− | J | ·−−− | S | ··· |
| B | −··· | K | −·− | T | − |
| C | −·−· | L | ·−·· | U | ··− |
| D | −·· | M | −− | V | ···− |
| E | · | N | −· | W | ·−− |
| F | ··−· | O | −−− | X | −··− |
| G | −−· | P | ·−−· | Y | −·−− |
| H | ···· | Q | −−·− | Z | −−·· |
| I | ·· | R | ·−· | 0–9 | 5 symbols each |
Frequently asked questions
What is SOS in Morse code?
··· −−− ··· (three dots, three dashes, three dots), sent as one continuous signal. It was chosen because it is easy to recognise, not because it stands for words.
Can I type Morse with any symbols?
Yes. Dots can be . or · and dashes can be -, − or _. Separate letters with a space and words with / or two or more spaces.