Morse Code Alphabet: Complete Chart for Letters, Numbers & Punctuation
Morse code is a method of encoding text characters using sequences of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). Developed by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s, it remains one of the most recognizable communication systems in the world.
Letters A-Z
| Letter | Morse Code | Letter | Morse Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | .- | N | -. |
| B | -... | O | --- |
| C | -.-. | P | .--. |
| D | -.. | Q | --.- |
| E | . | R | .-. |
| F | ..-. | S | ... |
| G | --. | T | - |
| H | .... | U | ..- |
| I | .. | V | ...- |
| J | .--- | W | .-- |
| K | -.- | X | -..- |
| L | .-.. | Y | -.-- |
| M | -- | Z | --.. |
Numbers 0-9
| Number | Morse Code |
|---|---|
| 0 | ----- |
| 1 | .---- |
| 2 | ..--- |
| 3 | ...-- |
| 4 | ....- |
| 5 | ..... |
| 6 | -.... |
| 7 | --... |
| 8 | ---.. |
| 9 | ----. |
Numbers follow a logical pattern: 1 starts with one dot followed by four dashes, and as you count up, each number adds another dot while removing a dash. After 5 (all dots), the pattern reverses with dashes.
Punctuation
| Symbol | Morse Code |
|---|---|
| Period (.) | .-.-.- |
| Comma (,) | --..-- |
| Question (?) | ..--.. |
| Apostrophe (') | .----. |
| Exclamation (!) | -.-.-- |
| Slash (/) | -..-. |
| At sign (@) | .--.-. |
Timing Rules
Understanding timing is essential for clear Morse code communication:
- Dot: 1 time unit
- Dash: 3 time units (3x the length of a dot)
- Gap between elements (within a character): 1 time unit
- Gap between characters: 3 time units
- Gap between words: 7 time units
At a standard speed of 20 words per minute (WPM), one time unit equals approximately 60 milliseconds.
Tips for Learning
- Start with E and T — they're the simplest (one dot and one dash)
- Learn common letters first: E, T, A, I, N, O, S are the most frequently used
- Practice with audio or light — the Morse Code app lets you both hear and see the patterns
- Group similar patterns: Letters like B (-...) and V (...-) are mirrors of each other
- Use mnemonics: Many people use word patterns to remember characters
Practice with the Morse Code App
The fastest way to memorize the Morse code alphabet is through interactive practice. Our Morse Code app includes quizzes that test your knowledge of letters, numbers, and punctuation — tracking your accuracy and streak as you improve.
Try the Morse Code App
Decode, transmit, and learn Morse code on your phone. Free for iOS and Android.