Morse Code Translator

Convert text to Morse code or decode Morse back to text. Play the audio to hear it.

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Reference Chart

What is Morse code?

Morse code is a character encoding system that represents letters and numbers using sequences of dots (·) and dashes (—). It was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s and 40s for use with the telegraph — the first long-distance communication system. A dot is a short signal and a dash is three times longer than a dot.

New to this? Here's why people still use Morse code

Morse code is still officially used in aviation navigation (VOR beacons broadcast their identifiers in Morse). Amateur radio operators use it because Morse code signals can penetrate interference and noise that would make voice communication impossible. It's also used in emergency situations — the universal distress signal SOS (· · · — — — · · ·) is known worldwide.

What does SOS mean in Morse code?
SOS is · · · — — — · · · (three dots, three dashes, three dots). Contrary to popular belief, SOS doesn't stand for "Save Our Souls" or "Save Our Ship" — it was chosen because it's easy to remember and transmit. It became the international distress signal in 1908.
How fast can Morse code be sent?
Skilled operators can send and receive Morse code at 20-30 words per minute. Record-breaking operators have exceeded 75 WPM. The world record for receiving Morse code is over 75 WPM. Most amateur radio contacts happen at 5-20 WPM.