Stax

Morse Code Translator

Translate text to Morse code or decode Morse back to text.

Output will appear here…
Morse code reference chart
0-----
1.----
2..---
3...--
4....-
5.....
6-....
7--...
8---..
9----.
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--..

How Morse code works

The International Morse Code (ITU standard) assigns each letter, digit, and punctuation mark a unique sequence of dots and dashes. A dot (dit) is one unit long. A dash (dah) is three units long. The gap between symbols within a character is one unit; between characters is three units; between words is seven units.

Key Morse code shortcuts to know

  • E — . (single dot — most common letter in English)
  • T — − (single dash)
  • SOS — ··· −−− ··· (universal distress signal)
  • 73 — −−··· ···−−· (ham radio: “best regards”)
  • AR — ·−·−· (end of message / over)
  • SK — ···−·− (end of contact / out)

Text input format

When decoding Morse code, use a single space between letters and a forward slash (/) between words. The translator accepts both dots (.) and dashes (- or −).

Frequently asked questions

What is Morse code?
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters as sequences of dots (short signals, dit) and dashes (long signals, dah). It was developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s for use with the electrical telegraph. Each character has a unique combination of dots and dashes.
How do you read Morse code?
Each letter is represented by a unique sequence of dots (·) and dashes (−). Letters within a word are separated by a short pause (one space in written form). Words are separated by a longer pause (a slash / in written form). For example, SOS is ··· −−− ··· and HELLO is ···· · ·-·· ·-·· ---.
What does SOS mean in Morse code?
SOS (··· −−− ···) is the international distress signal. It was chosen not because it stands for anything, but because it is one of the simplest and most recognisable Morse sequences — three dots, three dashes, three dots. It does not officially stand for 'Save Our Souls' or 'Save Our Ship', though those are popular backronyms.
How do I enter Morse code to decode?
Switch to 'Morse → Text' mode. Enter dots (.) and dashes (-) with a space between each letter. Separate words with a forward slash (/). Example: .... . .-.. .-.. --- / .-- --- .-. .-.. -.. decodes to HELLO WORLD.
Is Morse code still used today?
Yes, though rarely. Amateur radio operators (ham radio) still use Morse code and a valid Morse proficiency licence exists in many countries. Morse code is also used in aviation as a backup identification system for VOR and NDB navigation beacons. It remains useful in emergency situations where voice communication is impossible.

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