Morse Code Converter

About This Tool

Morse code is a character encoding scheme that represents text as sequences of dots and dashes (also called dits and dahs). Developed in the 1830s by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail for use with the electric telegraph, it was the primary means of long-distance communication for over a century. This tool converts between standard text and International Morse Code, the version standardized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and still used today.

How Morse Code Works

The timing of Morse code is precise: a dot is one unit of time, a dash is three units, the gap between symbols within a letter is one unit, the gap between letters is three units, and the gap between words is seven units. Skilled operators send and receive at 20-30 words per minute. The most common letters in English (E, T, A) were assigned the shortest codes to increase transmission speed.

Modern Uses

While largely replaced by digital communication, Morse code remains relevant in several areas. Amateur (ham) radio operators still use CW (continuous wave) Morse transmissions, which can get through when voice signals cannot. Aviation navigation aids (NDB, VOR) identify themselves with Morse code. It is also used as an accessibility tool: people with severe disabilities can communicate using Morse code input with a single switch. The international distress signal SOS (... --- ...) was chosen specifically because it is unmistakable in Morse.