Learn Morse Code
A beginner course: hear letter shapes at full speed, stretch the gaps (Farnsworth), then add characters with Koch. Free, in the browser.
How Morse works (then how you learn it)
International Morse encodes letters as dits and dahs. Timing follows ITU-R M.1677-1: a dash is three times a dot; the space inside a character equals one dot; the space between characters equals three; the space between words equals seven. We do not teach American Morse.
Start with E (.), T (-), A (.-), and I (..) — they cover a large share of English. Practice 15 minutes a day at 20 WPM character speed with Farnsworth around 10 WPM so you never count dots. Most beginners know the alphabet in 2–4 weeks; solid 15 WPM copy usually takes 3–6 months.
Learn the Most Common Letters: E, T, A, I
In English, four letters dominate: E, T, A, and I. Learning these first gives you the biggest payoff because they appear in over 30% of all words. Samuel Morse designed his code so these common letters have the shortest patterns.
. One dot - easiest!
- One dash
.- Dot-dash
.. Two dots
Practice Words Using Only E, T, A, I
. .- - - .. . - . .- .- - . Master the Numbers 0-9
Morse code numbers follow a beautifully simple pattern. Once you understand it, you'll never forget them. Numbers always use exactly five symbols.
----- .---- ..--- ...-- ....- ..... -.... --... ---.. ----. The Pattern Rule
Numbers 1-5 start with dots: the number equals the count of dots at the beginning. Numbers 6-9 start with dashes: 10 minus the number equals the count of dashes at the beginning. Zero (0) is five dashes.
Learn the Full Alphabet with Mnemonics
Now expand to the complete morse code alphabet. Use these memory phrases (mnemonics) to help remember each letter's pattern. Each phrase mimics the rhythm of the dots and dashes.
-... BEAR-er-ry -.-. CO-ca-CO-la -.. DAN-ger-ous ..-. for-it-IS --. GOOD-BYE-now .... hip-pi-ty-hop .--- ju-LYYY -.- KA-me-ra (SOS!) .-.. li-ON-el -- MMmm -. NO-vac --- OHHH .--. pu-pp-Y-POW --.- QUE-bec-CO .-. ro-TA-tion ... si-si-si ..- un-der-LINE ...- vic-tor-EE .-- wi-WI-wi -..- x-MAS-x-MAS -.-- yo-YO-yo --.. ZEN-zon-za Practice by ear with Farnsworth — not 5 WPM characters
Slow characters teach counting. Farnsworth keeps each letter at full speed and only stretches the gaps. Use the translator’s Learn preset (20 WPM characters, 10 WPM Farnsworth) from day one, then move into the Koch trainer.
Learn preset — start here
QSO preset — even spacing
On-air copy — 3–6 months
Daily Practice Routine (15 minutes)
- Listen to 5 random letters using our alphabet chart audio (3 min)
- Write down the morse code you hear without looking (3 min)
- Check your answers and note mistakes (2 min)
- Translate 5 simple words using the translator tool (3 min)
- Review any letters you got wrong using mnemonics (4 min)
Build Speed and Start Communicating
Once you can read and write all letters at 10 WPM, it's time to build real world speed. The goal for most hobbyist is 15-20 WPM. Here's how to get there:
Practice Common Words First
Focus on 100 most common English words. They make up 50% of all written text.
Use Farnsworth Method
Keep character speed at 15 WPM but increase spacing between characters. This builds recognition without bad habits.
Join a Community
Amateur radio clubs and online communities offer practice partners. Real conversations are the best practice.
Learn Prosigns
Prosigns are special combined signals like AR (end of message), BK (break), and SK (end of contact). Essential for real communication.
People Also Ask
How to learn Morse code fast?
Daily 15-minute Farnsworth + Koch sessions beat cramming. See our learn fast guide.
How to read Morse code?
Train by ear at 15+ WPM — full guide: how to read Morse.
How to write in Morse code?
Learn letter shapes on the alphabet chart, then type words in the translator.