Morse Code SOS
See the SOS distress pattern, play it as sound, copy the dots and dashes, or compare the spaced letter form with the continuous signal form.
3 spaces = letters · 7 = words · / = word break
Playback Settings
What is SOS in Morse code?
SOS is three short signals, three long signals, and three short signals. For everyday translation it appears as the letters S O S; as a distress prosign, it is often sent as one continuous pattern.
Copy-ready signal
... --- ...
Continuous prosign: ...---...
What does SOS sound like?
SOS sounds like three short beeps, three long beeps, and three short beeps. In Morse timing, a dash is three times as long as a dot. The pauses are just as important as the marks because they make the signal readable.
Does SOS mean Save Our Souls?
Not officially. "Save Our Souls" and "Save Our Ship" are easy ways to remember SOS, but the signal itself was adopted because the pattern is short, clear, and hard to miss in an emergency.
How to send SOS
- By sound: three short beeps, three long beeps, three short beeps.
- By light: three short flashes, three long flashes, three short flashes.
- By tapping: three quick taps, three longer taps, three quick taps.
- By writing: use SOS or the Morse pattern ... --- ... .
For broader context on backup signals and what Morse can and cannot do, read Morse code emergency signals.
How to use this SOS page
Use this page when you need the specific SOS pattern, not a broad prosign list or a general practice drill.
Who it is for
Learners, teachers, puzzle makers, and anyone checking the SOS pattern, meaning, sound, and spacing.
What it explains
The page shows SOS as spaced letters, the continuous distress pattern, and the short-long-short rhythm that makes it recognizable.
How to apply it
Copy the pattern, play it, compare the spacing, then move into audio or visual practice if you want to recognize it faster.
Worked SOS examples
These examples separate the written letters, continuous signal, and practice use.
Written SOS
... --- ...
Continuous distress signal
...---...
Operators often recognize SOS as one continuous distress pattern: three short, three long, three short.
Practice by sound
short short short / long long long / short short short
Use audio practice or visual practice after you understand the pattern.
Common SOS mistakes
SOS is simple, but people often mix up the meaning, spacing, or page type.
Inventing a phrase
Treat Save Our Souls as a memory aid, not the official origin of the signal.
Confusing signal and text
The spaced letter form is easiest for copying. The continuous pattern is the recognizable distress rhythm.
Using the wrong reference
Use prosigns for operating procedure signals, not for the SOS pattern alone.
SOS vs prosigns vs practice pages
Use the page that matches the signal or learning task.
Best next step after SOS
Practice recognizing the pattern in the format you plan to use.
SOS FAQ
What is SOS in Morse code?>
SOS in Morse code is three dots, three dashes, and three dots: ... --- ... . It is widely recognized as a distress signal.
Is SOS three letters or one distress signal?>
It can be written as the letters S O S, but in distress signaling the pattern is often treated as one continuous, recognizable signal.
What does SOS stand for?>
Officially, SOS does not stand for a phrase. Save Our Souls and Save Our Ship are memory aids, not the original meaning.
How do you hear SOS?>
Listen for three short beeps, three longer beeps, and three short beeps. The long beeps are dashes and last about three dot units.
Is SOS the same as a prosign?>
SOS is a special distress signal. Prosign pages explain normal operating procedure signals such as wait, end, or correction.
