The Complete Morse Code Alphabet
The Morse code alphabet consists of 26 letters, each represented by a unique combination of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). This system, invented by Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail in the 1830s, revolutionized long-distance communication and remains relevant today for amateur radio, emergency signaling, and creative applications.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll find every letter from A to Z with its Morse code pattern, visual representation, and helpful memory tricks. Whether you're learning for ham radio, preparing for emergencies, or creating Morse code jewelry, this is your complete reference.
Try Our Interactive Alphabet Chart
Click any letter to hear how it sounds in Morse code
Open Interactive ChartLetters A through M
The first half of the Morse code alphabet includes some of the most commonly used letters in English. Notice how the most frequent letters (like E and T) have the shortest codes.
Letters A - M
Letters N through Z
The second half of the alphabet completes your Morse code A-Z knowledge. Together with the first half, you now have the complete set of 26 letters.
Letters N - Z
The complete Morse code alphabet follows logical patterns
Numbers 0-9 in Morse Code
Numbers in Morse code follow a simple pattern. Numbers 1-5 start with dots and add dashes, while 6-0 start with dashes and add dots. This makes them easier to remember than letters.
Numbers 0 through 9
Number Pattern Trick
- 1: One dot, four dashes (1 dot = 1)
- 2: Two dots, three dashes (2 dots = 2)
- 3: Three dots, two dashes (3 dots = 3)
- 4: Four dots, one dash (4 dots = 4)
- 5: Five dots (5 dots = 5)
- 6-0: Pattern reverses - dashes first, then dots
Common Punctuation Marks
Beyond letters and numbers, Morse code includes essential punctuation marks for complete communication:
Punctuation
Memory Tricks for Morse Code Letters
Learning the Morse code alphabet becomes easier with mnemonic devices. These audio-based memory tricks associate letter sounds with rhythmic phrases:
Popular Mnemonic Phrases
Best Learning Strategy
While mnemonics help, the most effective way to learn Morse code is through audio practice. Learn to recognize letters by their sound patterns rather than counting dots and dashes. Use our interactive chart with audio to hear each letter.
Understanding Morse Code Structure
The Morse code alphabet follows logical design principles that make it efficient for transmission:
Design Logic
- Common letters are shorter: E (one dot) and T (one dash) are the most frequent letters and have the shortest codes
- Opposite patterns exist: A (.-) is opposite to N (-.), K (-.-) is opposite to R (.-.)
- Related letters group: Similar sounding letters often have related patterns
Timing Rules
- A dot is one time unit
- A dash is three time units (three times as long as a dot)
- Space between elements of the same letter: one time unit
- Space between letters: three time units
- Space between words: seven time units
Amateur radio operators still use Morse code for long-distance communication
Practice with Our Interactive Tools
Click letters to hear them, translate your name, or create secret messages
Start Practicing →Frequently Asked Questions
Start Learning the Morse Code Alphabet
You now have everything you need to learn the complete Morse code alphabet from A to Z. Whether you're studying for amateur radio, preparing for emergencies, or creating unique projects, this reference has you covered.
The best way to solidify your knowledge is through practice. Use our interactive chart to hear each letter, try the translator to convert your name and favorite words, and create secret messages to share with friends. Morse code is a skill that improves quickly with regular use.
Ready to Practice?
Our interactive chart lets you click any letter to hear it in Morse code
Open Interactive Alphabet →