How to Print or Download the Morse Code Chart
Use the Print Chart button above the table for a clean, printable reference sheet. The navigation, filters and page furniture are stripped out, and every letter and number is included even when the table is filtered on screen.
Prefer a file? Download PDF opens the full International Morse code chart as a PDF in a new tab, so you can save it, print it, or keep it open while you use the Morse code translator.
What Is the Dot and Dash Code?
Morse code is made up of two symbols: dots and dashes. These can be written down or transmitted as light flashes or electrical pulses, where a short flash or pulse represents a dot and a long flash or pulse represents a dash.
Each letter of the alphabet and each number between 0 and 9 has a unique
dot-dash combination (code). When these combinations are used in a
sequence, they create a word or message. A popular example is "SOS", the universal
distress signal, which becomes ... --- ... in Morse code.
Why Are Some Morse Code Characters Shorter Than Others?
Morse code uses shorter dot-dash combinations for letters that are used more frequently, which speeds up communication.
For example, most English vowels (A, E, I, O, and U) have short codes. The letter "E", which is the most commonly used letter in the English language, has the shortest Morse code: a single dot.
In contrast, most consonants, and especially the least used letters, have longer codes.
Does the US Use International Morse Code?
Yes! Originally, the US had its own Morse system, known as "American Morse Code". This was the original Morse code used by the inventor Samuel Morse.
Beginning in the early 20th century, this system was gradually replaced by International Morse Code, which is now the standard used in modern tools, education, and amateur radio worldwide.
What Are Morse Prosigns?
Morse coders also use shorthand signals or "prosigns" to streamline communication.
Prosigns are short Morse signals you can use to control communication. Some examples are "AR" for "end of message", "SK" for "goodbye", "K" for "go ahead", and "AS" for "wait".
Both prosigns and Q codes are shorthand codes, but prosigns control the communication flow (go ahead, wait, etc.) while Q codes summarize meaning (where you're calling from, switch frequency, etc.).