Morse Code Speed Test
Test your Morse code listening skills. Listen to Morse audio and type what you hear.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Morse code speed measured?
Morse speed is measured in WPM (words per minute) using the word PARIS as the standard. PARIS in Morse equals 50 dot-units, so at 20 WPM each dot-unit lasts 60ms.
What is a good Morse code speed?
Beginners typically start at 5-10 WPM. Amateur radio operators commonly send at 15-25 WPM. Experienced operators can exceed 30-40 WPM.
How do I improve my Morse code speed?
Practice regularly with tools like this speed test. Start slow and focus on accuracy first, then gradually increase speed. The Koch method (learning 2 characters at a time) is proven effective. Try our learning tool and practice mode.
What is Farnsworth timing in Morse code?
Farnsworth timing sends characters at a faster speed but adds extra gaps between them. This helps beginners learn character sounds at full speed while giving more time to process each one.
What Is a Morse Code Speed Test?
A Morse code speed test measures how quickly and accurately you can decode Morse audio into text. Speed is measured in WPM (words per minute) using the word PARIS as the international standard — PARIS in Morse code equals exactly 50 dot-units, so at 20 WPM each dot-unit lasts 60 milliseconds. This test plays Morse audio using a Web Audio sine wave oscillator and asks you to type what you hear.
Understanding WPM and Farnsworth Timing
Standard Morse timing uses the PARIS method: a dot is one unit, a dash is three units, the gap between parts of a letter is one unit, between letters is three units, and between words is seven units. Farnsworth timing sends individual characters at a faster speed but adds extra spacing between them — this helps beginners learn character recognition at full speed while giving more time to process. Our speed test uses standard timing to give you an accurate WPM measurement.
Tips for Improving Your Morse Code Speed
Start slow and focus on accuracy before speed. The Koch method recommends learning two characters at a time at your target speed, then adding more as you master each pair. Practice daily with short sessions (10-15 minutes) rather than long cramming sessions. Use our interactive learning tool, practice mode, to build your skills systematically. full Morse code translator.
Ham Radio Licensing and Morse Code
While most countries no longer require Morse code proficiency for amateur radio licenses, many operators still learn it for its reliability in poor conditions. CW (continuous wave) Morse remains popular on HF bands where it cuts through noise better than voice. Typical amateur operators work at 15-25 WPM, while experienced contesters may exceed 40 WPM. This speed test helps you benchmark your progress whether you're preparing for a license exam or just enjoying the art of Morse code.