Morse Code Timing & Speed (WPM)
Understand Morse code timing: dot duration, dash duration, inter-symbol gaps, character gaps, and word gaps. Learn how Words Per Minute (WPM) speed is calculated.
Detailed Explanation
Morse Code Timing
Proper timing is the most important aspect of sending clear Morse code. All timing in Morse code is based on a single fundamental unit: the dot duration.
Timing Units
| Element | Duration |
|---|---|
| Dot | 1 unit |
| Dash | 3 units |
| Gap between symbols (dots/dashes) within a character | 1 unit |
| Gap between characters | 3 units |
| Gap between words | 7 units |
The PARIS Standard
Morse code speed is measured in Words Per Minute (WPM). The standard reference word is PARIS, which contains exactly 50 timing units:
P (.--.) = 1+1+3+1+3+1+1 = 11 units + 3 gap = 14
A (.-) = 1+1+3 = 5 units + 3 gap = 8
R (.-.) = 1+1+3+1+1 = 7 units + 3 gap = 10
I (..) = 1+1+1 = 3 units + 3 gap = 6
S (...) = 1+1+1+1+1 = 5 units + 7 gap = 12
Total = 50 units
Calculating Dot Duration
Given a speed of W WPM:
Dot duration = 1.2 / W seconds
Examples:
- At 5 WPM: dot = 240 ms (beginner speed)
- At 15 WPM: dot = 80 ms (standard speed)
- At 25 WPM: dot = 48 ms (proficient speed)
- At 35 WPM: dot = 34 ms (expert speed)
Farnsworth Timing
For learning, Farnsworth timing sends individual characters at a higher speed (e.g., 18 WPM) but adds extra space between characters and words to bring the effective speed down (e.g., 10 WPM). This helps learners recognize character patterns at real speed while giving them time to think.
Use Case
Understanding Morse timing is essential for amateur radio operators, Morse code instructors, and anyone building Morse code software or hardware. Correct timing ensures messages are readable; poor timing is the most common cause of miscommunication in Morse code.