Start with SOS — three short signals, three long signals, three short signals (· · · — — — · · ·) — and you already know Morse code’s most famous message. From there, add the letters of your name one at a time, and within an hour you can send your first real secret message.
The Alphabet in Dots and Dashes
Every letter in the alphabet has a Morse code pattern. Short signals are dots (·) and long signals are dashes (—). According to ITU-R Recommendation M.1677-1, a dash lasts three times as long as a dot. That is the only rule you need for timing.
| Letter | Morse | Letter | Morse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | –.. |
The Easiest Letters to Start With
These letters have short, easy patterns:
| Letter | Code | Why it is easy |
|---|---|---|
| E | . | One dot |
| T | - | One dash |
| I | .. | Two dots |
| M | – | Two dashes |
| S | … | Three dots |
| O | — | Three dashes |
SOS uses S and O — the two simplest patterns in the whole code.
How to Send Morse Code Without Equipment
You do not need a radio or any electronics:
- Tapping: Short tap = dot. Hold longer = dash. Tap on a desk, pipe, or floor.
- Flashlight: Short flash = dot. Hold the light on longer = dash.
- Blinking: Blink quickly = dot. Slow blink (hold eyes shut) = dash. This takes practice.
- Sound: Short hum or clap = dot. Long hum or whistle = dash.
Leave a small pause between the signals within one letter. Leave a bigger pause between letters. Leave an even bigger pause between words. You can practice with a friend right now using nothing but your hands.
Write Your Name in Morse
Here is the name ALEX written out step by step:
- A: .-
- L: .-..
- E: .
- X: -..-
So ALEX in Morse is: .- / .-.. / . / -..-
(Use a slash or space between each letter so your reader knows where one letter ends and the next begins.)
Try encoding your own name using the Morse code translator.
The Numbers Too
| Number | Morse |
|---|---|
| 1 | .–– |
| 2 | ..— |
| 3 | …– |
| 4 | ….- |
| 5 | ….. |
| 6 | -…. |
| 7 | –… |
| 8 | —.. |
| 9 | ––. |
| 0 | —– |
Notice the pattern: 1 is one dot followed by four dashes. 5 is five dots. 6 is one dash followed by four dots. 0 is five dashes.
Fun Things to Do with Morse Code
- Secret notes: Write a message in dots and dashes. Give the code table to one friend and see if they can read it.
- Flashlight signals: On a camping trip or sleepover, signal across the room or yard.
- Wristband: String together beads — small bead for dot, large bead for dash — to spell your name or a word.
- Tap code during quiet time: Morse lets you communicate silently in situations where you cannot talk.
Where to Learn More
Google offers a Morse learning game at g.co/morse (works on phone or computer) that teaches the full alphabet using the same practice approach professionals use. The game is free and takes about an hour to work through.
For setup instructions on putting Morse on your phone, see how to type Morse code on your phone. For more practice methods, see how to learn Morse code.