SOS in Morse Code: Play, Flash, Tap and Copy the Signal
SOS in Morse code is … — …: three short signals, three long signals, then three short signals. Use the controls below to hear, flash, tap, copy, or repeat the pattern.
...---...Hear SOS
Play the short-short-short, long-long-long, short-short-short rhythm with adjustable speed, pitch, and volume.
Flash SOS
Use the full-screen light panel to practice the same short and long pattern visually.
Vibrate SOS
On supported mobile browsers, the device can vibrate the SOS rhythm using short and long vibration pulses.
Tap SOS
Use the practice pad below to tap your own three-short, three-long, three-short pattern.
Quick clicks count as dots. Hold the button longer for dashes.
Waiting for input...This page is for learning and signaling practice. In a real emergency, contact local emergency services or use the most reliable distress method available to you.
What Is SOS in Morse Code?
SOS in Morse code is ...---...: three short signals, three long signals, then three short signals.
When written for readability, it is often shown as ... --- ....
The continuous form is the distress prosign. The spaced form helps readers see the familiar letters S, O, and S.
In International Morse Code, S is ... and O is ---.
...
3 short---
3 long...
3 shortThree short signals, three long signals, three short signals.
How to Signal SOS in Morse Code
The medium can change, but the short-long timing relationship stays the same.
With Sound
Make three short tones, three long tones, then three short tones. A whistle, horn, tone, or other audible signal can follow the same rhythm.
With Light
Flash a light three times briefly, three times for longer periods, then three times briefly.
With Taps or Knocks
Make three quick taps, three longer taps, then three quick taps. Keep the difference between short and long signals clear.
With Vibration
A compatible device can reproduce the same short and long pulse pattern. Browser vibration support varies by device.
Use the interactive tool above to hear the signal, watch the flash pattern, or practice the rhythm yourself.
Is SOS Written as …—… or … — …?
Both forms are useful, but they show different things.
...---...
Sent as one continuous procedural signal... --- ...
Shows S, O, and S as separate lettersThe formal distress signal is treated as a continuous prosign rather than an ordinary three-letter word.
What Does SOS Stand For?
SOS does not officially stand for “Save Our Souls” or “Save Our Ship.” Those phrases became popular memory aids after the distress signal was adopted.
The important part is the distinctive three-short, three-long, three-short pattern, which is easy to recognize and reproduce across different signaling methods.
SOS Morse Code Timing Explained
Correct timing is what makes the pattern clear when SOS is sent by sound, light, or another signal.
ITU-R Recommendation M.1677-1 defines a dash as three times the duration of a dot. It also uses a one-dot interval between the parts of the same character.
Reference: ITU-R M.1677-1, International Morse code
How to Practice the SOS Signal
Practice helps you recognize and reproduce the pattern without reading the dots and dashes.
Learn the 3-3-3 Structure
Remember three short, three long, three short before worrying about speed.
Listen at a Slow Speed
Start at a comfortable WPM so the difference between dots and dashes is obvious.
Practice With Light
Use the Flash SOS button above and watch the short and long intervals.
Tap It Yourself
Use quick presses for dots and longer holds for dashes in the tap practice pad.
Why SOS Is Easy to Recognize
The signal uses a balanced pattern with only two simple elements: short and long.
Symmetrical Shape
The signal starts and ends with the same three-short pattern.
Strong Contrast
Three short signals are followed by three noticeably longer signals.
Works Across Media
The same timing can be used with sound, light, taps, vibration, or radio signaling.
Simple to Reproduce
You do not need a full Morse alphabet chart to remember the 3-3-3 rhythm.
SOS and the Morse Code Alphabet
The familiar letters S-O-S match the dot-and-dash groups in the International Morse Code alphabet.
...Three dots
---Three dashes
...Three dots
See the complete Morse Code Alphabet if you want to learn the patterns for A through Z.
Important Emergency Use Note
This page is designed for learning and signaling practice. In a real emergency, contact local emergency services or use the most reliable distress communication method available to you.
Do not rely on a web page, browser feature, flash effect, vibration pattern, or Morse signal as your only emergency communication method.
Use SOS With Other Morse Code Tools
This page focuses on the SOS signal. Use the dedicated tools below for complete messages and other characters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you write SOS in Morse code?
SOS is written as ...---... when shown as the continuous distress prosign.
It is often displayed as ... --- ... to make the S, O, and S letter groups easier to read.
What is the SOS Morse code pattern?
The pattern is three short signals, three long signals, then three short signals.
What does SOS sound like in Morse code?
It sounds like three short tones, three long tones, then three short tones. Use the Play SOS button above to hear the rhythm.
Does SOS stand for Save Our Souls?
No. “Save Our Souls” and “Save Our Ship” are later memory aids, not the official meaning of the distress signal.
Is SOS sent as …—… or … — …?
The formal distress prosign is sent continuously as ...---....
The spaced version ... --- ... is useful when showing the letters S, O, and S separately.
How do I flash SOS with a light?
Make three short flashes, three long flashes, then three short flashes. Keep each long signal about three times the duration of a short signal.
Can I tap SOS in Morse code?
Yes. Use three quick taps, three longer taps, then three quick taps. The tap practice pad above can help you check the pattern.
Can a phone vibrate SOS?
Some mobile browsers support vibration patterns. If your browser and device support the Vibration API, the Vibrate button above can reproduce the short and long SOS pulses.
Is SOS still used as a distress signal?
SOS remains widely recognized as a distress signal, although modern emergency communication systems often use other dedicated methods.