How are letters and words separated in Morse code?

The standard rhythm: elements within a letter are 1 unit apart, letters are about 3 units apart, and words are about 7 units apart. This tool separates letters with a space and words with a slash, for both input and output.

Can Morse code represent Chinese?

Not directly. Morse only defines Latin letters, digits, and a few symbols. Chinese is sent by first converting each character to a 4-digit code from the standard Chinese telegraph code, then sending the digits. This tool covers letters, digits, and common punctuation.

Why did SOS become the international distress signal?

Not because of what it might abbreviate — ···−−−··· is simply the most recognizable rhythm: three short, three long, three short as one continuous sequence with no letter gaps. It was established by a 1906 international convention and gradually replaced the earlier CQD.

Encoding / Decoding

Morse Code

Convert text to/from Morse code (dots and dashes).

Letter separator: Word separator:

Original

Morse Code