Morse Code TranslatorThe pattern behind the numbers
Numbers in Morse code are easy once you see the pattern. Each one has five signals. Count dots from the left for 1 to 5. Then count dashes from the left for 6 to 9.
- 1 is one dot, then four dashes:
·−−−− - 2 is two dots, then three dashes:
··−−− - 5 is five dots:
····· - 6 is one dash, then four dots:
−···· - 9 is four dashes, then one dot:
−−−−· - 0 is five dashes:
−−−−−
So 1 to 5 start with dots, and the number of dots tells you the number. 6 to 9 start with dashes, and you add 5 to the number of dashes. 0 is all dashes.
| Number | Code | Sounds like |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | ·−−−− | di dah dah dah dah |
| 2 | ··−−− | di di dah dah dah |
| 3 | ···−− | di di di dah dah |
| 4 | ····− | di di di di dah |
| 5 | ····· | di di di di dit |
| 6 | −···· | dah di di di dit |
| 7 | −−··· | dah dah di di dit |
| 8 | −−−·· | dah dah dah di dit |
| 9 | −−−−· | dah dah dah dah dit |
| 0 | −−−−− | dah dah dah dah dah |
Rules for numbers from the ITU
The ITU standard has a few extra rules for numbers in messages:
- Percent and per thousand. There is no single code. Send 0/0 for % and 0/00 for ‰. Join it to the number with a hyphen, so 2% is sent as 2-0/0.
- Fractions. Join a whole number to its fraction with a hyphen: 1¾ is sent as 1-3/4, not 13/4.
- Times. For minutes and seconds after figures, like 1′15″, use the apostrophe once or twice.
- Numbers with letters. Send them with no space, so 25th is 25TH.
- Multiplication. Send the letter X for ×.
Our translator follows these rules. Type 2% and you get ··−−− −····− −−−−− −··−· −−−−−.
Numbers and letters that look alike
Some numbers start the same way as letters, so listen to the whole sound. The number 0 is five dashes and O is only three. The number 5 is five dots and H is four. The number 1 and the letter J both start with a dot and dashes, but 1 has four dashes and J has three.
Want the full set with letters and signs? See the Morse code alphabet.
Frequently asked questions
What is 1 in Morse code?
The number 1 is one dot and four dashes: ·−−−−.
What is 0 in Morse code?
Zero is five dashes: −−−−−. Do not mix it up with the letter O, which is three dashes.
How do you send a percent sign?
The ITU standard has no single code for %. You send 0, a slash, and 0. For 2% you send 2-0/0, with a hyphen joining the number to the sign.
How do you send a date or a time?
Send the figures as they are. For a time like 1 minute 15 seconds, the ITU says to use the apostrophe once for minutes and twice for seconds: 1′15″.
How do you send numbers with letters, like 25th?
Send them with no space between figures and letters, so 25th becomes 25TH. This rule comes from ITU-R M.1677-1.