What Is A in Morse Code?
The Morse code for A is .-, a sequence of 1 dot and 1 dash. In international Morse code (the ITU standard), each letter has a unique combination of dots (·) and dashes (−). A is the most common starting letter; .- is short and easy to learn.
When you hear or read “morse code a”, “morse code for a”, “a morse code”, or “letter a in morse code”, the answer is always the same 2-signal pattern: .-.
NATO Phonetic Word for A
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the letter A is spoken as Alfa. This pairing — Morse code .- with the spoken word Alfa — is used by aviation, military, and amateur radio operators worldwide for unmistakable communication.
Practice: What Is the Morse Code for A?
Select the correct Morse code for A:
How to Tap Letter A in Morse Code
To transmit Letter A (.-), use this sequence:
ITU Timing Rules
- Dot (·) = 1 unit
- Dash (−) = 3 units (3× longer)
- Signal gap = 1 unit
- Letter gap = 3 units
- Word gap = 7 units
Timing Reference Table
| Speed | Dot | Dash | Letter gap | Word gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 wpm | 240ms | 720ms | 720ms | 1680ms |
| 10 wpm | 120ms | 360ms | 360ms | 840ms |
| 17 wpm (this page) | 70ms | 210ms | 210ms | 490ms |
| 20 wpm | 60ms | 180ms | 180ms | 420ms |
How to Remember Letter A in Morse Code
A-pple — short-LONG. Think "a-BOUT".
NATO phonetic word: Alfa — pair the spoken word with the rhythm to remember faster.
Frequently Asked Questions — Letter A in Morse Code
A in Morse code is .-. The letter A uses 1 dot and 1 dash, the standard ITU pattern.
The Morse code for A is .-. Tap the 2 signals in sequence with a one-unit gap between each.
To send letter A: short press, then long press. The NATO phonetic name for A is Alfa.
.- means the letter A in international Morse code (the ITU standard used worldwide for amateur radio and communication).
The NATO phonetic alphabet word for A is Alfa. It pairs with the Morse code .- for clear voice and signal communication.
Related Morse Code Letters
Other letters often learned alongside A: