Morse Code Alphabet (A–Z, 0–9) Chart & Table | MorseHub
The Morse code alphabet maps letters A–Z and numbers 0–9 to dot-and-dash patterns under the International Morse Code standard. This page provides a complete Morse code alphabet chart (letters, numbers, punctuation) plus timing rules, so you can quickly look up a character or learn how encoding works.
International Morse Code is defined and maintained by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Use the chart to manually encode/decode, or try our Morse Code Translator for instant conversion.
Morse Code Letters (A–Z)
Morse Code Numbers (0–9)
Punctuation Marks
About This Table
The table above includes letters A–Z, numbers 0–9, and commonly used punctuation symbols. This standardized chart follows International Morse Code and can be used for both learning and quick reference. Whether you are studying for amateur radio certification or simply exploring how Morse encoding works, this table provides all the essential character mappings in one place.
Where Is the Morse Code Alphabet Used Today?
The Morse code alphabet is still used today because it works in low-bandwidth situations and can be transmitted with simple signals (sound, light, or radio). Common modern use cases include:
- Amateur radio (ham radio): operators may use Morse for efficient communication under noisy conditions.
- Aviation and navigation beacons: some radio beacons and training materials reference Morse identifiers.
- Emergency signaling: simple patterns can be sent using flashes, taps, or audio tones when other channels fail.
- Education and practice: learning Morse helps build pattern recognition and timing discipline.
Even when you do not transmit Morse directly, the alphabet chart remains useful for decoding legacy identifiers and learning the basics.
Morse Code Timing Rules
This chart follows International Morse Code as standardized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Accurate timing is essential when learning or transmitting the Morse code alphabet. The duration of dots, dashes, and spaces determines how characters are separated and understood.
- A dot (.) equals 1 time unit
- A dash (-) equals 3 time units
- The space between symbols within a letter equals 1 unit
- The space between letters equals 3 units
- The space between words equals 7 units
Proper spacing ensures signals are decoded correctly and prevents letters from blending together. For a complete guide, see Morse Code Timing Rules.
International vs American Morse Code
This page uses International Morse Code, which is the globally recognized standard regulated by the International Telecommunication Union. International Morse Code is consistent across countries and is used in modern communication systems.
American Morse, sometimes called Railroad Morse, differs in structure and timing. It was historically used in landline telegraph systems in the United States but is no longer the global standard.
When referring to the Morse code alphabet today, International Morse Code is typically implied.
How to Memorize the Morse Code Alphabet
If you are learning the Morse code alphabet, focus on recognition rather than counting dots and dashes.
- Start with high-frequency letters: E (.), T (-), A (.-), N (-.), I (..), S (...).
- Learn by sound patterns when possible; it becomes faster than visual decoding.
- Practice in short sessions (5–10 minutes) and add a few new characters at a time.
- Group characters by similarity (for example, patterns that start with a dash vs a dot).
- Use spacing correctly: timing mistakes are the most common source of decoding errors.
For quick conversion while practicing, use the Morse Code Translator to verify your results.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Morse code alphabet?
The Morse code alphabet is a standardized mapping of letters and numbers to dot-and-dash sequences used in International Morse Code. Each character has a unique pattern, and correct timing and spacing are required to separate symbols, letters, and words during transmission.
Is the Morse code alphabet the same worldwide?
Yes. International Morse Code is standardized globally. The letter and number mappings are consistent across countries, making it universally recognized in radio and emergency communication.
How do you separate words in Morse code?
Words are separated by a pause equal to seven time units. Letters are separated by three time units. Correct spacing is essential for accurate decoding.
What is the longest Morse code letter?
Most letters contain between one and four signals. Characters such as B (-...) and Q (--.-) use four signals. Numbers typically contain five signals and are longer than letters.
Is Morse code still used today?
Yes. Morse code is still used in amateur radio, aviation navigation beacons, military training, and emergency signaling situations. It remains valuable because it can be transmitted with minimal equipment and in low-bandwidth environments.
Can I print this Morse code alphabet chart?
Yes. You can print this page directly using your browser's print function (Ctrl+P or Cmd+P).
Start Learning the Morse Code Alphabet
The Morse code alphabet remains a practical skill for radio communication, emergency signaling, and personal enrichment. Use this chart as your reference, practice with audio playback, and explore the related resources below to deepen your understanding of International Morse Code.
Related Resources
- Morse Code Chart — Printable reference guide
- Morse Code Timing Rules — Learn proper dot, dash, and spacing durations
- Morse Code Translator — Instant text-to-Morse conversion
