T in Morse Code
The letter T in Morse code is -: a single dash, sounded “dah”. It is the second most common letter in English, after E, which is why it was given a single signal, just like E.
What Does T Look Like in Morse Code?
T has 1 signal (1 dash) and takes 3 timing units to send. T and E are the only letters made of a single signal. Together they are usually the first two letters a beginner learns. See it next to every other letter on the Morse code alphabet chart.
Words That Start With T in Morse Code
| Word | Morse code | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| THE | - .... . | T H E |
| TIME | - .. -- . | T I M E |
| TEA | - . .- | T E A |
| TOP | - --- .--. | T O P |
| TREE | - .-. . . | T R E E |
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 T
E (the opposite of T)
. · one dot
M (T plus a dash)
-- · two dashes
N (T plus a dot)
-. · dash dot
O (three dashes)
--- · dah-dah-dah
T is the base of two ladders: add dashes for M and O, or add dots for N, D, B and the number 6. For a step-by-step method, read how to identify a letter from its Morse pattern.
How to Remember T in Morse Code
Say it out loud
T is a single “dah”, one long sound with nothing after it.
Pair it with E
E is one dot and T is one dash. Learn them together and you know the two most common letters in English.
Watch the length
A lone T is easy to mistake for part of the next letter. How to decode Morse code without spaces shows how gaps settle it.
Drill it
Hear T against E, M and N in the Morse code practice quiz.
How Long Does T Take to Send?
T is 3 units long, the length of one dash. 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 | 720 ms |
| 10 WPM | 120 ms | 360 ms |
| 15 WPM | 80 ms | 240 ms |
| 20 WPM | 60 ms | 180 ms |
| 25 WPM | 48 ms | 144 ms |
T in Radio and Real-World Morse
TU and TNX
T starts TU (thank you) and TNX (thanks), two of the most common sign-offs on the air. See thank you in Morse code.
Cut numbers
In contests, operators sometimes send T in place of the number 0 to save time, since a dash is far shorter than five dashes. Context makes the meaning clear.
Tango in the NATO alphabet
On voice radio, T is spoken “Tango”. Morse code vs the NATO alphabet explains both systems.
The most common word
THE starts with T and is the most common word in English. Try it in the Morse code translator.
How Efficient Is T in Morse Code?
Alfred Vail gave common letters short codes after estimating how often each letter is used. Comparing T’s share of English text with the length of its code shows how well that plan worked for this letter.
| Measure | T |
|---|---|
| Share of letters in English text | 9.1% |
| Frequency rank (of 26 letters) | 2nd |
| Morse code length | 3 units |
| Other letters with the same length | I |
| American Morse (US landline telegraph) | - (same as International) |
T is the second most common letter and shares the second-shortest length, 3 units, with I. Giving it a single dash rather than two dots keeps E and T as opposites, so the two most frequent letters are also the two easiest to tell apart by ear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is T in Morse code?
T in Morse code is a single dash: -
How do you say T in Morse code out loud?
T is spoken “dah”: one long sound.
What letter is one dash in Morse code?
One dash is the letter T. One dot is E, and two dashes is M.
What is the difference between T and E in Morse code?
T is one dash and E is one dot. They are the only two letters made of a single signal.
Why is T a single dash in Morse code?
T is the second most common letter in English, so it was given one of the shortest possible codes to make messages faster.