International Morse Code
International Morse code is the standard dot-and-dash system used for letters, numbers, selected punctuation, and prosigns.
Standard referenceTiming unitsProsign table
International Morse Code Table
This reference groups the standard letters and numbers without changing the alphabet page into a duplicate page.
| 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 | |
| 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.
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.