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Learn Morse Code

Learn Morse code by sound, the way operators actually copy it.

Free to start. Built from a single prompt. No credit card.

International Morse Code represents letters, numbers and punctuation as patterns of short and long signals, called dits and dahs. Its timing is precise: a dah lasts three dits, letters are separated by three dit lengths and words by seven. The fastest learners learn each character as a sound rather than a pattern of dots and dashes on a chart, because translating visually becomes a bottleneck. Morse is still used by amateur radio operators, where it is called CW, and as a fun way to signal with light or sound. Learnr builds a personalized Morse course from one prompt and teaches it in short listening and sending lessons.

How to learn Morse Code, step by step

Learn characters by sound, not by chart. Hear each letter as a rhythm, such as dit-dah for A, instead of picturing dots and dashes. Visual charts force you to translate in your head, which limits speed later.
Use the Koch method with Farnsworth spacing. The Koch method starts with two characters at a fairly fast character speed and adds a new one once you copy accurately. Farnsworth spacing keeps characters fast but adds extra space between them while you learn.
Master the timing standards. A dah equals three dits, the gap inside a character is one dit, between letters is three dits and between words is seven. Good timing makes your sending readable and helps you hear characters as whole sounds.
Add numbers, punctuation and prosigns. Numbers follow a logical pattern of five elements each. Learn common prosigns such as AR for end of message and SK for end of contact, and SOS, sent as one run-together sequence of three dits, three dahs and three dits.
Practice sending with a key or app. Use a straight key, paddle or practice app, and record yourself to check spacing. Copy what you send back by ear to confirm it is readable.
Copy real words every day. Move from single characters to common words and short phrases, then try head copy without writing. Daily ten-minute sessions, supported by Learnr lessons and streaks, beat long weekly sessions.

What you'll learn

Recognize every letter and number by sound
Understand the standard timing of dits, dahs and spaces
Send clean Morse with a key or app
Copy words and short messages by ear
Know common prosigns and abbreviations, including SOS

What's inside your Morse Code course

A sample path Learnr builds for Morse Code. Your real course adapts to your goal and level.

1. History and how Morse timing works
2. Learning characters by sound
3. Letters and the Koch method
4. Numbers, punctuation and prosigns
5. Sending with a key
6. Copying words and on-air CW

How long does it take to learn Morse Code?

Most people can learn all letters and numbers by sound in a few weeks to two months with daily practice of 10 to 20 minutes. Copying comfortably at conversational speeds usually takes several more months, depending on consistency.

What you need before you start

No experience needed. A phone or computer with audio for practice tools, and optionally a practice key or paddle for sending.

Common mistakes to avoid

Memorizing a visual chart of dots and dashes, which forces slow translation. Learn each character as a sound from the start.
Practicing at very slow character speeds, which makes characters sound like separate beeps. Keep characters fast and slow down the spacing instead.
Writing down every dit and dah while copying. Train yourself to recognize whole characters, then whole words.

How Learnr builds your course

Type your topic

Tell Learnr you want to learn Morse Code, or get as specific as you like.

Get a personalized course

Learnr instantly builds a full Morse Code course tailored to your goal and skill level.

Learn and level up

Move through bite-sized lessons and interactive practice, earning XP and keeping your streak.

Morse Code questions, answered

Is Morse code still required for a ham radio license?

Not in the United States. The FCC dropped the Morse code requirement for amateur radio licenses in 2007. Many operators still learn it because CW works well with simple equipment and weak signals.

What is SOS in Morse code?

SOS is three dits, three dahs and three dits, sent as one continuous signal without letter gaps. It is the well-known international distress signal.

What is the Koch method?

The Koch method teaches Morse at full character speed from the start, beginning with two characters and adding one at a time once you copy accurately. It trains instant sound recognition instead of counting dits and dahs.