International Morse Code
International Morse code is the standard dot-and-dash system used for letters, numbers, selected punctuation, and prosigns.
International Morse Code Table
This reference groups the character categories used by International Morse code and shows where to find the full interactive alphabet.
| Type | Characters | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Letters | A through Z | A .-, Z --.. |
| Numbers | 0 through 9 | 1 .----, 0 ----- |
| Punctuation | Common marks | ? ..--.., / -..-. |
| Prosigns | Message-control signs | AR .-.-., SK ...-.- |
Prosigns
Prosigns are compact Morse signals used to manage message flow.
| Prosign | Morse | Meaning | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| SOS | ...---... | Distress signal, sent as one continuous pattern | |
| AR | .-.-. | End of message | |
| AS | .-... | Wait | |
| BT | -...- | Separator | |
| HH | ........ | Correction | |
| KN | -.--. | Go only, specific station | |
| SK | ...-.- | End of contact | |
| VE | ...-. | Understood |
Timing Units
A dot is one unit. A dash is three units. The gap inside a character is one unit. The gap between letters is three units. The gap between words is seven units.
International Morse vs. Other Morse Systems
Most modern learning material uses International Morse code. Older American Morse code used different timing and some different character patterns, so it can confuse beginners who are comparing old charts with modern references.
For normal web lookups, amateur radio learning, classroom exercises, and puzzle checks, International Morse is the version people usually mean.
Reference Notes
Use this page when you need the standard categories, timing units, and prosigns together. Use the alphabet page when you want to play, pronounce, copy, or print individual characters quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is International Morse code different from American Morse code?
Yes. International Morse code is the modern common reference. American Morse code used different timing and some different patterns.
What is a prosign?
A prosign is a procedural signal sent as one joined Morse pattern.
Why does spacing matter?
The same dots and dashes can be confusing if letter and word pauses are not clear.