Reference Chart

Morse Code Chart

Complete International Morse Code reference — every letter, number, symbol, and prosign with their dot-and-dash equivalents.

Alphabet (A–Z)

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
--..

Numbers (0–9)

Numbers in Morse code always use exactly 5 elements. Notice the pattern: 1–5 start with dots, 6–0 start with dashes.

0
-----
1
.----
2
..---
3
...--
4
....-
5
.....
6
-....
7
--...
8
---..
9
----.

Punctuation & Symbols

Punctuation marks use longer sequences (5–6 elements). They're less commonly used but essential for clear written communication.

.
.-.-.-
,
--..--
?
..--..
'
.----.
!
-.-.--
/
-..-.
(
-.--.
)
-.--.-
&
.-...
:
---...
;
-.-.-.
=
-...-
+
.-.-.
-
-....-
_
..--.-
"
.-..-.
$
...-..-
@
.--.-.

Prosigns (Procedure Signals)

Prosigns are special sequences used to control the flow of communication. They're sent as a single unit without inter-character spacing.

AR
· − · − ·
End of message
BT
− · · · −
End of transmission
SK
· · · − · −
End of work
K
− · −
Invitation to transmit
HH
· · · · · · · ·
Error / correction
SOS
· · · − − − · · ·
Distress (SOS)

Timing Rules

All timing in Morse code is relative to the dot length. At 20 WPM, one dot = 60 milliseconds.

Signal Duration

Dot = 1 unit
Dash = 3 units

Spacing (silence)

Between signals = 1 unit
Between letters = 3 units
Between words = 7 units

Visual Example: "HI" in Morse Code

H (· · · ·) ← 3 unit gap → I (· ·)

Memory Patterns

These patterns can help you remember characters faster. Note: audio/rhythm learning is still the best long-term approach.

Opposites Pair Up

A (· −)N (− ·)

D (− · ·)U (· · −)

B (− · · ·)V (· · · −)

F (· · − ·)L (· − · ·)

Number Patterns

1 (· − − − −) → 1 dot, then dashes

2 (· · − − −) → 2 dots, then dashes

3 (· · · − −) → 3 dots, then dashes

5 (· · · · ·) → All dots (midpoint)

0 (− − − − −) → All dashes

Single Elements

E (·) — Shortest letter (most common)

T (−) — One dash (2nd most common)

Common Words

SOS — · · · − − − · · · (universal distress)

OK — − − − − · − (confirmation)

CQ — − · − · − − · − (calling all stations)

Letter Frequency in English

Morse code was designed so that the most common letters have the shortest codes. Here's why E is just a single dot:

E
13% ·
T
9.1%
A
8.2% · −
O
7.5% − − −
I
7% · ·
N
6.7% − ·
S
6.3% · · ·
H
6.1% · · · ·
R
6% · − ·

More frequent letters → shorter Morse code → faster transmission. This was intentionally designed by Alfred Vail.

How to Read This Chart

·

A dot is a short signal. When spoken aloud, say "dit" (or "di" if not the last element).

A dash is a long signal (3× the dot). When spoken aloud, say "dah".

/

A slash separates words. Each word is separated by 7 unit-lengths of silence.

Try It Yourself

Use our free translator to convert any text to Morse code instantly. See the patterns from this chart in action.