M in Morse Code
The letter M in Morse code is --: two dashes, sounded “dah-dah”. It is the opposite of I (two dots) and one of the first two letters taught in the Koch method.
What Does M Look Like in Morse Code?
M has 2 signals (2 dashes) and takes 7 timing units to send. M sits in the dash ladder between T (one dash) and O (three dashes). At speed, the difference is the length of the run, not the number you count. See it next to every other letter on the Morse code alphabet chart.
Words That Start With M in Morse Code
| Word | Morse code | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| ME | -- . | M E |
| MAKE | -- .- -.- . | M A K E |
| MORE | -- --- .-. . | M O R E |
| MAP | -- .- .--. | M A P |
| MOON | -- --- --- -. | M O O N |
Each word starts with --. A space separates the letters. Type any other word into the Morse code translator to hear it.
Letters Easily Confused With M
I (the opposite of M)
.. · two dots
T (one dash)
- · dah
O (three dashes)
--- · dah-dah-dah
G (M plus a dot)
--. · dash dash dot
T, M and O are one, two and three dashes, and the number 0 is five. M is also the start of G, Z and Q, which all begin with two dashes. For a step-by-step method, read how to identify a letter from its Morse pattern.
How to Remember M in Morse Code
Say it out loud
“Dah-dah” is two long, even sounds. It is the simplest all-dash letter after T.
Pair it with I
I is two dots and M is two dashes. Learning opposites together makes both stick.
Climb the dash ladder
T is one dash, M two, O three. Learn the three as a set.
Drill it
Hear M against N, I and O in the Morse code practice quiz.
How Long Does M Take to Send?
M is 7 units long: 3 for each of the two dashes and 1 for the gap between them. A dot is 1 unit and a dash is 3. The Morse code timing guide explains how speed changes the length of a unit.
| Speed | One unit | Time to send |
|---|---|---|
| 5 WPM | 240 ms | 1680 ms |
| 10 WPM | 120 ms | 840 ms |
| 15 WPM | 80 ms | 560 ms |
| 20 WPM | 60 ms | 420 ms |
| 25 WPM | 48 ms | 336 ms |
M in Radio and Real-World Morse
The Koch method
Koch method training starts with K and M at full speed and adds one character at a time. See how to learn Morse code.
OM: old man
OM (--- --) is a friendly term radio operators use for a fellow male operator, as in “TNX OM”.
Mike in the NATO alphabet
On voice radio, M is spoken “Mike”. Morse code vs the NATO alphabet explains the difference.
M in words
M starts ME, MORE and MOON. Hear how the dashes flow into the next letter in the Morse code translator.
How Efficient Is M in Morse Code?
Alfred Vail gave common letters short codes after estimating how often each letter is used. Comparing M’s share of English text with the length of its code shows how well that plan worked for this letter.
| Measure | M |
|---|---|
| Share of letters in English text | 2.4% |
| Frequency rank (of 26 letters) | Joint 14th |
| Morse code length | 7 units |
| Other letters with the same length | D, H, R, U |
| American Morse (US landline telegraph) | -- (same as International) |
M is joint fourteenth in frequency with W and takes 7 units. Two dashes are easy to hear, and M sits at the start of a ladder: add dots to get G, Z and the number 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is M in Morse code?
M in Morse code is --, two dashes.
How do you say M in Morse code out loud?
M is spoken “dah-dah”: two long sounds.
What letter is two dashes in Morse code?
Two dashes (--) is the letter M. One dash is T and three dashes is O.
What is the difference between M and N in Morse code?
M is two dashes (--). N is a dash and a dot (-.). The second signal tells them apart.
What is the difference between M and I in Morse code?
They are opposites. M is two dashes (--) and I is two dots (..).