Text Input
Morse Output
WPM:
15
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Reference Table
Morse Code Translator converts text to Morse code and Morse code to text in real time. It supports all 26 letters, digits 0-9, and common punctuation (period, comma, question mark, exclamation, hyphen, slash). You can also play the Morse code as audio tones — the standard is 12 words per minute (WPM) but this tool allows adjusting the speed from 5 to 30 WPM.
Morse code is a character encoding system invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s-40s for telegraphy. Each letter and digit is represented by a sequence of short signals (dots, or "dits") and long signals (dashes, or "dahs") — a dash is conventionally three times the length of a dot. The system was the dominant long-distance communication method for a century, used extensively in maritime and military communication.
Morse code is still used today in aviation (aircraft navigation beacons broadcast identifiers in Morse), by amateur radio operators (ham radio), and as an accessibility input method. The universal distress signal SOS (... --- ...) remains internationally recognized. Morse code can be transmitted with anything that can produce two different states: light, sound, tapping, or electrical signal.
SOS distress signal
Result: S = ... / O = --- / S = ... → ... --- ... (three dots, three dashes, three dots)
Encode 'Hello World'
Result: .... . .-.. .-.. --- / .-- --- .-. .-.. -.. (spaces between letters, slash between words)
Decode a Morse message
Result: .- -... -.-. → ABC (auto-detected when input contains . and - characters)
What is the speed measurement WPM for Morse code?
WPM (words per minute) for Morse is based on the word 'PARIS', which has 50 dot-lengths. At 20 WPM, the dot duration is 60ms. Speed varies: 5-10 WPM for beginners, 13-20 WPM for general conversation, 25+ WPM for expert operators. Radio amateurs are no longer required to learn Morse, but many still do for the tradition and emergency use.
Is Morse code still used?
Yes, in several areas: aviation (VOR/NDB navigation beacons broadcast Morse identifiers), amateur radio operators worldwide, military and naval signaling in some contexts, and as an accessibility input method. People with motor disabilities can use Morse code to control computers and smartphones with a single button.
What is the origin of SOS as a distress signal?
SOS (... --- ...) was adopted as the international distress signal in 1908 because its Morse pattern is easy to send quickly and hard to confuse with other messages. It does not stand for 'Save Our Ship' — that is a backronym. It was chosen purely for its distinctive Morse pattern of three dots, three dashes, three dots.
Can Morse code be used for accessibility?
Yes — Morse code is an alternative input method for people who cannot use a keyboard or touchscreen. Single-switch Morse input devices allow people with paralysis or motor disabilities to type by pressing one button for dots and dashes. iOS and Android support Morse code keyboards as accessibility features.
How long does it take to learn Morse code?
To recognize the 26 letters at slow speed: 2-4 weeks of regular practice. To have a basic conversation at 5-10 WPM: 2-3 months. To reach 20 WPM for amateur radio: 6-12 months. The Koch method (start fast, with only 2 characters, then add more) is the most effective learning approach.