Morse Code Chart
A complete printable Morse code reference chart with all letters A–Z, numbers 0–9, and common punctuation marks.
Morse Code Alphabet (A–Z)
Morse Code Numbers (0–9)
Punctuation & Special Characters
Morse Code Timing Rules
| Element | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|
| . | 1 unit | Dot (dit) — a short signal |
| - | 3 units | Dash (dah) — a long signal |
| Intra-character | 1 unit | Gap between dots/dashes within one letter |
| Inter-character | 3 units | Gap between letters |
| Word space | 7 units | Gap between words |
Common Prosigns & Abbreviations
How to Read a Morse Code Chart
A Morse code chart maps each letter, number, and symbol to a unique combination of dots (short signals) and dashes (long signals). To read the chart, find the character you want to encode and note its dot-dash pattern. For example, the letter A is .- (one dot followed by one dash), while the number 5 is ..... (five dots).
When transmitting Morse code, timing is essential. A dot lasts 1 time unit, a dash lasts 3 units, and the gaps between symbols, letters, and words follow specific spacing rules (shown in the timing table above). This standardized timing ensures that Morse code can be reliably sent and received by anyone who knows the system.
Why Use a Printable Morse Code Chart?
Having a printed Morse code chart is useful for quick reference when practicing, studying, or teaching Morse code. It is especially handy for:
- Students and beginners learning the Morse code alphabet for the first time
- Ham radio operators who need a reference while on the air
- Emergency preparedness — keep a chart in your survival kit for signaling
- Teachers and educators using Morse code in STEM or history lessons
- Escape room enthusiasts and puzzle solvers who encounter Morse code challenges
- Crafters making Morse code bracelets or other personalized jewelry
Tips for Memorizing the Morse Code Chart
While this chart serves as a handy reference, learning Morse code by heart makes you much faster. Here are proven strategies:
- Learn by sound, not sight. Morse code is an auditory language — practice listening to characters rather than reading dot-dash patterns visually.
- Start with common letters. Letters like E, T, A, I, N, and S appear most frequently in English. Master these first for maximum utility.
- Use mnemonics. Associate each letter with a word whose syllable pattern matches its Morse code (e.g., "A-BOUT" for A = .-).
- Practice daily with our interactive learning tool. Short, consistent sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
- Try the Farnsworth method. Send characters at full speed but add extra pauses between them. This trains your brain to recognize the sound patterns correctly from the start.
Ready to practice? Use our Morse Code Translator to convert any text to Morse code with audio playback, or explore the Morse Code Alphabet for detailed information on each letter.