About this tool
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters as sequences of two different signal durations — short signals called dots (·) and long signals called dashes (−). It was developed in the 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail alongside the electric telegraph. The original American Morse Code was later revised into International Morse Code (now standardised as ITU-R M.1677-1), which is the version used globally today in amateur (ham) radio, maritime communication, and aviation.
In International Morse Code, each letter and digit is represented by a unique sequence of dots and dashes. The letter E is the shortest signal (a single dot ·), while 0 is the longest (five dashes −−−−−). The full alphabet uses patterns of one to four symbols for letters and five for digits. This tool uses the complete ITU-R M.1677-1 table, including punctuation marks such as period (·−·−·−), comma (−−··−−), and question mark (··−−··).
Morse code timing follows strict ratios. The duration of a dot is the base unit. A dash is three units long. The space between symbols in the same character is one unit. The space between characters is three units. The space between words is seven units. These ratios ensure that Morse code can be decoded by trained operators at speeds measured in words per minute (WPM). Trained operators can reach 20–30 WPM; competitive operators can exceed 60 WPM.
The SOS distress signal (·−−··−−···) is one of the most internationally recognised Morse sequences. Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for any specific phrase — it was chosen in 1908 by international agreement because it is unambiguous, easy to send, and easy to recognise. It is transmitted as a continuous sequence without the standard inter-character spacing.
Although largely replaced by satellite and digital communication systems, Morse code remains a required qualification for certain amateur radio licences in some countries. It is also used in aviation as a ground navigation aid identification system — VOR and NDB stations broadcast their three-letter identifier in Morse code so pilots can verify they are tuned to the correct station. Morse code has also found use in accessibility technology, enabling people with limited motor function to communicate using switch devices.
Practical Usage Examples
Encode "Hello World"
Classic greeting encoded in International Morse Code
Input: Hello World
Morse: .... . .-.. .-.. --- / .-- --- .-. .-.. -..SOS Distress Signal
The internationally recognised distress signal
Input: SOS
Morse: ... --- ...Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose a direction: "Text to Morse" encodes English text into dots and dashes; "Morse to Text" decodes a dot-dash sequence back to English.
For Text to Morse: type or paste your text. Letters are separated by spaces in the output; words are separated by a forward slash (/).
For Morse to Text: enter Morse code with a single space between each character and a forward slash (/) or triple space between words.
Click "Translate" to see the result instantly.
Use the Copy button to copy the output, or Download to save it as a text file.
Core Benefits
Follows the ITU-R M.1677-1 international Morse code standard, including letters, digits, and punctuation.
Bidirectional — translates both text to Morse and Morse to text.
Shows dot/dash counts and transmission timing analysis for each conversion.
100% browser-based — no data is sent to any server.
Free with no registration, no usage limits, and no ads in the results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Morse code is a communication system that encodes text characters as sequences of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). It was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s alongside the electric telegraph. The International Morse Code standard (ITU-R M.1677-1) is used globally today.
Each letter, digit, and punctuation mark has a unique dot-dash pattern. E is a single dot (·), T is a single dash (−), SOS is ···−−−···. To read Morse code, identify each group of dots and dashes separated by spaces and look up the character in the Morse alphabet table. Practice and familiarity build speed over time.
SOS in Morse code is ···−−−··· (three dots, three dashes, three dots). Contrary to popular belief, SOS does not stand for "Save Our Souls" or any other phrase — it was chosen in 1908 as an international distress signal because it is distinctive and simple to transmit and recognise.
Select "Morse to Text" mode and enter your Morse code using dots (.) and dashes (-). Separate each character with a single space and separate words with a forward slash (/) or three spaces. Example: ".... . .-.. .-.. ---" decodes to "HELLO".
Yes, in several contexts. Amateur (ham) radio operators still use Morse code, and some countries require it for certain licence grades. Aviation uses Morse code to identify VOR and NDB navigation aids — the station broadcasts its three-letter identifier in Morse. Morse code is also used in accessibility technology to enable communication for people with limited motor function.
American Morse Code (used on early US telegraph lines) had variable-length dashes and spaces within characters. International Morse Code, standardised by ITU-R M.1677-1, simplified this into a consistent two-element system (dots and dashes only, with fixed timing ratios). International Morse Code is the universal standard used today.
ITU-R M.1677-1 is the recommendation published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) that defines the International Morse Code standard — the specific dot-dash pattern for each character and the timing ratios between elements. This tool uses this standard for all translations.
Speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), using the standard word "PARIS" (50 dot-units) as the benchmark. Beginners typically operate at 5–10 WPM. Trained operators average 20–30 WPM. Competitive operators in contests can exceed 60 WPM. The current machine-speed record using a mechanical key is over 150 WPM.
Yes. The Text to Morse direction shows you the dot-dash pattern for any text you type, which is useful for learning individual character patterns. For active practice, try encoding short words or phrases, then checking your work using the Morse to Text decoder.
Yes. This tool is completely free to use with no registration required, no usage limits, and no subscription fees.