Morse Code FAQ
Short, sourced answers to the questions people ask most about Morse code. For the full background, start with what Morse code is.
Basics
- Is Morse code a language? No, it's a code that spells out the letters of a language you already speak.
- What does Morse code sound like? One steady tone switched on and off in short dits and long dahs.
- What does Morse code look like? Groups of dots and dashes, with a space between letters and a slash between words.
- Is Morse code capitalized? Write it as "Morse code," with a capital M because Morse is a person's name.
- Why is Morse code important? It was the first way to send messages long distances almost instantly.
- How does Morse code travel long distances? First as current on telegraph wires, then by radio waves bouncing off the ionosphere.
- How can you tell if something is Morse code? Look for exactly two signal lengths, with the long one about three times the short one.
Learning
- Is Morse code hard to learn? It's easy to start, and most people reach a useful speed in a few months.
- Koch vs Farnsworth: which method is better? Most learners do best combining Koch letter order with Farnsworth spacing.
- How do you teach Morse code? By sound first, a few letters at a time, with games.
- How do you get back into Morse code after a break? Start below your old speed and practice a little every day.
For the full method, see the learn Morse code hub.
Sending and Reading
- How do you tap Morse code? A quick tap for a dot and a longer press for a dash.
- How do you blink in Morse code? A quick blink for a dot and eyes shut about a second for a dash.
- How do you speak Morse code out loud? Say "dit" for a dot and "dah" for a dash.
- How do you write Morse code on paper? Dots and dashes, one space between letters, and a slash between words.
Phrases
- How do you say "I like you" in Morse code? It's
.. / .-.. .. -.- . / -.-- --- ..-.
More messages are on the phrases page.
Ham Radio
- Do you need Morse code for a ham radio license? No, the FCC dropped the requirement for every US license class in 2007.
- What frequency is Morse code? It has no single frequency, and hams send it near the bottom of each band.
Games and Pop Culture
- How do you use Morse code in Minecraft? Wire a lever to a redstone lamp or note block and switch it short or long.
- What is the Battlefield 1 Morse code easter egg? Dripping water on Fort de Vaux spells a web address that teased Battlefield V.
Frequently asked questions
Is Morse code still used today? Yes. Ham radio operators use it every day, and aviation navigation beacons still identify themselves in Morse.
How long does it take to learn Morse code? Most people learn the letters in a few weeks and reach a conversational 15 to 20 words per minute in three to six months of daily practice.
Do you need Morse code for a ham radio license? No. The FCC removed the Morse code exam for every US amateur license class effective February 23, 2007.
Is Morse code a language? No. It's a code that turns the letters of an existing language into short and long signals.
What is SOS in Morse code?
SOS is ... --- ..., three short, three long, three short, sent as one unbroken signal.
How do you say dot and dash out loud? Say "dit" for a dot and "dah" for a dash, so S is di-di-dit.