Morse Code Alphabet: Letters, Numbers and Tips

Historic Morse telegraph printer and key on display
Photo: β€œMorse printer with key, telegraphy, TeM41436 & TeM40070 - Tekniska museet - Stockholm, Sweden - DSC01641” by Daderot Β· CC0 1.0 Β· via Wikimedia Commons

Short answer

International Morse encodes each letter and digit as dots and dashes. SOS is ... --- .... Learn the alphabet, keep standard spacing, and practise with our Morse code translator, which can play tones at adjustable speed.

Morse code maps characters to short (dot) and long (dash) signals. It still appears in amateur radio, accessibility demos and puzzle games. This guide covers the International Morse idea, timing, and safe practise habits.

Letters A–G (starter set)

LetterCode
A.-
B-...
C-.-.
D-..
E.
F..-.
G--.

Continue through the full chart in any Morse reference; digits 0–9 use five signals each (for example 1 is .----). Encode or decode full phrases in the Morse translator.

Timing rules of thumb

Speed is often measured in words per minute; start slow and increase only when accuracy is solid.

Practise drills

Translate your name, then a short sentence. Play audio and write what you hear. Use a random number generator to pick practise letters. Related converters: binary and Roman numerals.

Related: strong passwords Β· coin flips.

More worked numbers

Change one input at a time so you build intuition. Write the rule, substitute values, then confirm with the free Morse code translator. If the tool disagrees with your hand result, check units, delimiters and time zones first.

Common mistakes to avoid

How to practise

Invent three mini-problems from your own work or study and solve them on paper before you open the tool. Teaching the steps to someone else locks in the method.

After you finish this guide, explore the linked tools above and the related articles. Calculators and translators here run privately in your browser with no sign-up.

Quick reference card

Keep the short answer box at the top as your cheat sheet. Last updated 17 October 2026. General information only β€” not professional security, medical or legal advice.

Checklist before you finish

Re-read the short answer box. Re-run one example in the linked tool. Skim the FAQ for the question you actually searched. If this topic is money or health related, treat the numbers as educational estimates and confirm with primary sources or a qualified professional before you act.

Articles on this site exist to answer the search question and then hand you a private browser tool so you can try your own numbers. No account is required. When you are done, the related guides below cover neighbouring skills that people usually learn next.

Frequently asked questions

Is American Morse the same as International?

No. Prefer International Morse for modern learning unless a historical text says otherwise. Double-check details and confirm with the linked tool on this page when numbers matter.

What is SOS in Morse?

... --- ... Double-check details and confirm with the linked tool on this page when numbers matter.

Can Morse encode punctuation?

Yes β€” prosigns and punctuation exist; start with letters and digits first. Double-check details and confirm with the linked tool on this page when numbers matter.

Do I need special hardware?

No. A browser translator with sound is enough to begin. Double-check details and confirm with the linked tool on this page when numbers matter.

Sources

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