Morse Code Translator
Type text to get Morse code, or paste Morse code to get text. The box works out which one you typed. Press play to hear it, with a flashing light, at the speed you choose. Nothing is uploaded.
Converting text to Morse code
Morse code
... --- ... / .... . .-.. .--. / -- .
Morse code chart
- 0
- -----
- 1
- .----
- 2
- ..---
- 3
- ...--
- 4
- ....-
- 5
- .....
- 6
- -....
- 7
- --...
- 8
- ---..
- 9
- ----.
- A
- .-
- B
- -...
- C
- -.-.
- D
- -..
- E
- .
- F
- ..-.
- G
- --.
- H
- ....
- I
- ..
- J
- .---
- K
- -.-
- L
- .-..
- M
- --
- N
- -.
- O
- ---
- P
- .--.
- Q
- --.-
- R
- .-.
- S
- ...
- T
- -
- U
- ..-
- V
- ...-
- W
- .--
- X
- -..-
- Y
- -.--
- Z
- --..
- .
- .-.-.-
- ,
- --..--
- ?
- ..--..
- '
- .----.
- !
- -.-.--
- /
- -..-.
- (
- -.--.
- )
- -.--.-
- &
- .-...
- :
- ---...
- ;
- -.-.-.
- =
- -...-
- +
- .-.-.
- -
- -....-
- _
- ..--.-
- "
- .-..-.
- $
- ...-..-
- @
- .--.-.
How Morse code timing works
Morse code is a rhythm. Every length is a multiple of one basic unit, the length of a dot.
| Part | Length | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dot (short signal) | 1 unit | E is . |
| Dash (long signal) | 3 units | T is - |
| Gap between dots and dashes in a letter | 1 unit | A is .- |
| Gap between letters | 3 units | SOS is ... --- ... |
| Gap between words | 7 units | written as / |
Useful Morse code signals
| Signal | Morse code | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SOS | ... --- ... | International distress call |
| CQ | -.-. --.- | A general call to any station |
| 73 | --... ...-- | Best regards, used by radio operators |
| HELP | .... . .-.. .--. | The word help |
| OK | --- -.- | The word OK |
Tips for learning Morse code
- Learn the sounds, not the dots and dashes on paper. The letter A is "di-dah", not dot-dash.
- Start with a few common letters (E, T, A, N, I, M) and add more as they become automatic.
- Practise at a fast speed with long gaps between letters, so each letter sounds like one pattern.
- Use this page's Play button to hear your own name or a short phrase at 10 to 15 WPM.
Where Morse code is used today
Amateur radio operators still use Morse code because it can get through when speech cannot. It is also an accessibility tool: people with limited movement can send text with a single switch, and some phones and keyboards support Morse input. Lights, taps and flashes can all carry Morse code, which is why it is a popular puzzle and escape-room clue.
How to use the Morse Code Translator tool
- Type or paste your message. Leave the direction on Automatic, or choose Text to Morse or Morse to text.
- Read the translation and press the copy button to copy it.
- Press Play the Morse code to hear it. Change the speed and the tone with the sliders.
Frequently asked questions
How do I write Morse code?
Each letter is a pattern of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). Write the pattern for each letter with a space between letters and a slash (/) between words. For example, SOS is ... --- ... and HELP ME is .... . .-.. .--. / -- .
How do I translate Morse code to text?
Paste the dots and dashes into the box, with a space between letters and a slash or three spaces between words. The translator reads it and shows the text. Groups that are not valid Morse letters show as a question mark.
What does SOS mean in Morse code?
SOS is ... --- ... : three dots, three dashes, three dots, sent as one continuous signal. It is the international distress call, and it was chosen because it is easy to send and to recognise, not because it stands for any words.
How fast is Morse code?
Speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), based on the word PARIS. Beginners often start at about 5 to 10 WPM, a comfortable speed is 15 to 20 WPM, and skilled operators send 25 WPM or more. You can set the speed from 5 to 30 WPM.
Which characters does it support?
Letters A to Z (accented letters are read as their plain letter), digits 0 to 9, and the common punctuation . , ? ' ! / ( ) & : ; = + - _ " $ @. Characters with no Morse code are listed so you know what was left out.