Morse Code Translator

What is Morse code?

Morse code represents letters and numbers with short and long signals called dots and dashes. It was developed in the 1830s and 1840s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for the electric telegraph and became the first way to send messages instantly over long distances. It is still used today by amateur radio operators, pilots identifying radio beacons, and in emergencies, because it can be sent with a light, a sound or even taps.

How to use the translator

1. Type text and click Text → Morse. Letters are separated by spaces and words by a slash /.
2. To decode, paste Morse code using . and - and click Morse → Text. Unknown codes show as ?.
3. Click Play sound to hear it. Adjust the speed in words per minute and the tone pitch.

Morse timing rules

Everything in Morse is measured in "units":

• A dot is 1 unit; a dash is 3 units.
• The gap between dots and dashes inside a letter is 1 unit.
• The gap between letters is 3 units, and between words 7 units.

At a speed of W words per minute, one unit lasts 1.2 ÷ W seconds, based on the standard word "PARIS". At 15 WPM a dot lasts 80 milliseconds.

Famous Morse signals

Tips for learning Morse

Learn by sound, not by counting dots and dashes on paper. Start with the shortest letters: E (.), T (-), I, A, N and M. Listening at a fast character speed with longer gaps between letters, called the Farnsworth method, helps you recognise each letter as one sound pattern.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the sound not play?

Some phones block audio until you tap the page, and silent mode can mute it. Tap Play again after turning the sound on.

Is there Morse code for lowercase letters?

No. Morse has no case, so all letters are treated as capitals.

Can I translate other alphabets?

This tool supports the international Morse alphabet for English letters, digits and common punctuation.