E in Morse Code
The letter E is the fifth letter of the English alphabet and the most compact letter in Morse code. E in Morse code is sent as ., a single dot.
E in Morse code: pattern and timing
- Dots: 1
- Dashes: 0
- Total length: 1 time unit (a dot is 1 unit)
Because E is the shortest possible signal, it is also the easiest to send quickly. Operators often use E as a reference when they tune their sending speed.
How to hear E
E in Morse code is one short tap, “dit”. Listen for a single brief sound followed by a gap. Compare it with T, which is one long tap, “dah”: the difference is length, not the number of signals.
Letters that sound similar
E is easy to confuse with letters that start with a dot, or that differ from it by one signal:
- I (..): two dots, so an extra short signal follows E
- S (…) and H (….): longer runs of dots, which begin with the same short tap as E
- A (.-): one dot followed by a dash, the nearest pattern with a dash
- N (-.) and T (-): patterns that use a dash, so the first signal is long
The simplest test is the length of the whole sound. E is only one short signal, so any longer sound means it is a different letter.
Words that use E
- EAT: . .- –
- EVEN: . …- . -.
- EVERY: . …- . .-. -.–
- EARLY: . .- .-. .-.. -.–
Letters are separated by a single space, and words by a slash (/). Test any of these words in the Morse code to text decoder.
Practice
Practice E next to T with the Morse code practice tools. Once you can tell one dot from one dash by ear, add the other letters from the Morse code alphabet page.
How long E lasts at 20 WPM
At 20 words per minute, one time unit lasts about 60 milliseconds. E is 1 unit long, so a single E takes about 60 milliseconds. Because it is so short, E in Morse code is the sound most often heard inside longer letters and words, and it is the first letter most learners master.
More words that use E
- EAST: . .- … –
- ELSE: . .-.. … .
- ENTER: . -. – . .-.
E is the first letter of many common words. When a word begins with a single short tap, check whether the next letters match one of these examples before you guess.
Practice drill for E
Send E in Morse code five times in a row at 15 WPM, then send EAST and ELSE. Listen for one short tone each time. If the tone is long, you are hearing T. If a second tap follows, you are hearing I, A, or another letter that starts with a dot. The Morse code practice tools are a good place to repeat this drill.
The timing rules for every letter follow the International Telecommunication Union recommendation ITU-R M.1677-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is E in Morse code?
E in Morse code is . (one dot), the shortest signal in the code.
How long is E in Morse code?
E in Morse code lasts 1 time unit, the shortest possible letter.
Which letters sound like E?
I (two dots) is the closest in sound. T (one dash) is a different signal with a clearly longer sound.