Morse Code Translator

Translate text to Morse code or Morse code to text instantly. Letters are separated by a space and words by a slash. Example: SOS becomes … — … and HELLO becomes …. . .-.. .-.. —.

How to use the Morse Code Translator

1. Choose Text to Morse code or Morse code to text.
2. Type or paste your input. For Morse code, separate letters with a space and words with a slash.
3. Press Translate (it also updates as you type) and copy the result.

Formula and method

International Morse code (ITU-R M.1677-1) represents each letter, digit and common punctuation mark as a pattern of short signals (dots) and long signals (dashes). A dash is three times as long as a dot, the gap between letters is three dot-lengths and the gap between words is seven. In text, letters are written with a space between them and words with a slash.

Morse code chart: letters and numbers

Common Morse code signals

SOS (... --- ...) is the international distress signal. CQ (-.-. --.-) is a general call to all stations in amateur radio. 73 (--... ...--) means best regards, and 88 (---.. ---..) means love and kisses. Prosigns such as AR (.-.-.) mean end of message.

Morse code timing rules

Speed is set by the unit length. The standard word PARIS takes 50 units, so 20 words per minute means a unit of 60 milliseconds.

Common words in Morse code

Length counts dot units including gaps inside the word. A dot is 1 unit and a dash is 3.

Procedural signals (prosigns)

A short history of Morse code

Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail developed the code in the 1830s and 1840s for the electric telegraph. The International Morse Code used today was standardized in 1865 and later revised. SOS was adopted as the international distress signal in the early 1900s, and it was chosen because it is simple and easy to recognize, not because it stands for any words.

How to learn Morse code

Learn it by sound, not by looking at dots and dashes. The Koch method starts with two characters at full speed and adds one at a time once you copy them with high accuracy. The Farnsworth method keeps characters fast but adds extra space between them. Short daily practice of 10 to 15 minutes works better than long sessions.

Tips for reading Morse

Learn Morse by sound rather than by looking at dots and dashes: the Farnsworth method sends characters at full speed with extra space between them so learners hear each shape as a unit. Start with E, T, A, N, I, M, then add letters in groups.

Frequently asked questions

How do you write Morse code?

Use dots and dashes for each letter, with a space between letters and a slash (or longer gap) between words.

What is SOS in Morse code?

Three dots, three dashes, three dots: … — …

Does Morse code have lowercase letters?

No. Morse code has no case, so the translator converts everything to uppercase.

How do you write SOS in Morse code?

Three dots, three dashes, three dots (...---...), sent as one continuous signal with no gaps between the letters.

What is the difference between a dot and a dash?

A dash lasts three times as long as a dot. In sound they are called dit and dah.

How do I send a space between words in Morse code?

Leave a gap of seven units. In written form a slash or a wider space separates words, and this translator uses a slash.

Is Morse code still used?

Yes, mainly by amateur radio operators, in aviation navigation beacons and in assistive technology, and as an emergency signal with light or sound.

Can Morse code be sent by light or sound?

Yes. Any signal that can be switched on and off works: a flashlight, a whistle, tapping or a radio tone.

Is the output International Morse Code?

Yes. Letters, numbers and common punctuation follow International Morse Code (ITU). Other alphabets and some symbols have separate extensions that are not covered here.

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