Learn Morse Code

Morse code is a method of transmitting text information as a series of on-off tones, lights, or clicks that can be directly understood by a skilled listener or observer without special equipment. It is named after Samuel Morse, the inventor of the telegraph.

The Basics: Dots and Dashes

Each character (letter, number, or punctuation) is represented by a unique sequence of dots and dashes.

• The dot (·), also called a "dit", is the basic unit of time.
• The dash (—), or "dah", is three times as long as a dot.

The Rules of Timing

The timing of the spaces between the sounds is just as important as the dots and dashes themselves. This is often called the "1-3-7" rule, based on the length of a dot.

• The space between parts of the same letter (e.g., between the dot and dash in 'A') is one dot duration.
• The space between letters in a word is three dot durations.
• The space between words is seven dot durations.