Morse Code for SOS
SOS is not three letters with gaps — it is the distress prosign ···−−−···, sent as one distinctive run so it cannot be mistaken for ordinary text. Encoded: ··· −−− ··· · about 1.9 seconds at 18 WPM.
··· −−− ···
Letter-by-letter Morse for SOS
Every letter in “SOS” is shown below with its Morse. There is no word slash because this is a single word.
··· −−− ···
About “SOS” in Morse
Encoded it is ··· −−− ··· — 1 word, 3 characters (S, O), 6 dits and 3 dahs, about 1.9 seconds at 18 WPM.
This page is for copying, hearing, or flashing the prosign. It is not a substitute for calling local emergency services when a phone is available.
- Morse
- ··· −−− ···
- Dots / dashes
- 6 · / 3 −
- Characters
- 3
- At 18 WPM
- 1.9 seconds
- Longest character
- S (···)
How to tap “SOS”
- The pattern is ··· −−− ··· (ditditdit, dahdahdah, ditditdit). A dit is a short tap or flash; a dah is about three times longer.
- “SOS” is one word of 3 letters (S, O). Gap letters by about three dits; there is no word slash.
- At 18 WPM this takes about 1.9 seconds. Give S (···) its full length — it is the slowest character here.
- Press Play to hear SOS, or turn on the lamp and match the flashes.
Easy to mix up
In “SOS”, watch S (···) vs H (····); O (−−−) vs M (−−).
Morse Code for SOS — FAQ
What is the Morse code for SOS?
The Morse code for “SOS” is ··· −−− ···. That uses S, O.
How do you tap or flash SOS in Morse?
Match ··· −−− ···: short for each dit, about three times as long for each dah. Press Play on this page, then copy the same timing with a tap, whistle, or flashlight.
How long does SOS take to send?
At 18 WPM, “SOS” takes about 1.9 seconds. At 12 WPM the same ··· −−− ··· pattern is slower but the dit/dah ratios stay identical.
Which letter in SOS is hardest in Morse?
S is the longest character in “SOS”: ··· (ditditdit).
Is SOS the same as SOS?
SOS is the distress prosign ···−−−···, sent as one run. This page is that pattern, not three separate letters.
Related Morse lookups
Other high-intent translations — each page has its own Morse, timing, and breakdown.