Morse Code WPM Calculator
Convert between words per minute, characters per minute, and dot duration.
Understanding Morse Code Speed
Morse code speed is measured in Words Per Minute (WPM) using the PARIS standard. The word "PARIS" contains exactly 50 dot-units when transmitted, making it the universal calibration word.
At 20 WPM, each dot lasts 60 milliseconds. A dash is three times longer (180ms). The gap between elements within a letter equals one dot (60ms), between letters equals three dots (180ms), and between words equals seven dots (420ms).
The formula is simple: dot_ms = 1200 / WPM. This derives from the fact that PARIS at 1 WPM takes exactly 60,000ms (one minute), and PARIS = 50 dot-units, so one dot-unit = 60000 / 50 = 1200ms at 1 WPM.
A beginner typically starts at 5–10 WPM. Proficient operators work at 20–30 WPM. Contest operators and professionals can exceed 40 WPM. The world record is over 75 WPM.