Phonetic Alphabet Converter
Spell it clearly, instantly.
Type a word or phrase for instant phonetic spelling.
Practice Mode
Type the code word for each letter shown.
You'll see random letters—type the phonetic code word for each.
What is the code word for:
20 / 26 correct (77%)
Speed Challenge
Spell the word phonetically. Type code words separated by spaces.
How to play
- Select difficulty, then Start Challenge
- Type phonetic code words with spaces (e.g. Alpha Bravo Charlie)
- Timer stops when the spelling is correct
Tip: Type special characters (@, -) as-is.
Live Results
Type to see phonetic spelling.
Decode Phonetic
Type phonetic words (e.g. Alpha Bravo Charlie) to get ABC.
How to use
- Enter code words with spaces. Use "Convert to" for another alphabet.
- Example: Alpha Bravo → AB (Plain) or Anton Berta (German)
- Symbols pass through unchanged.
NATO Phonetic Alphabet Reference
A–Z and 0–9 with NATO/ICAO code words.
Letters A–M
Letters N–Z
Numbers 0–9
Note: "Niner" is used instead of "Nine" in NATO to avoid confusion with "Nein" (German for "no").
What is the NATO Phonetic Alphabet?
The NATO phonetic alphabet, also known as the International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet or ICAO phonetic alphabet, is a standardized set of code words used to represent letters of the English alphabet. Each letter is assigned a unique word that begins with that letter (e.g., "Alpha" for A, "Bravo" for B).
Why Does It Exist?
The alphabet was developed to ensure clear communication over radio and telephone where static, background noise, or poor signal quality can make it difficult to distinguish between similar-sounding letters like "M" and "N," "B" and "D," or "S" and "F." By using distinct, recognizable words, communicators can spell out critical information without ambiguity.
History and Standardization
The NATO phonetic alphabet was adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1956 and later by NATO, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), and the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The code words were carefully chosen based on extensive testing across speakers of different languages to ensure maximum clarity and recognizability.
Where Is It Used?
- Aviation: Pilots and air traffic controllers use it for flight numbers, waypoints, and instructions.
- Military: Armed forces worldwide rely on it for secure, clear communication.
- Emergency Services: Police, fire, and medical responders use it to relay license plates, addresses, and patient information.
- Customer Service: Call centers use it to confirm spellings of names, emails, and reference numbers.
- Everyday Use: Anyone can use it to spell names, passwords, or codes over the phone without confusion.
How to Use Phonetic Spelling Effectively
Whether you're on a customer support call, coordinating with a team, or spelling out an address, these tips will help you communicate clearly.
Speak Slowly and Clearly
Pause briefly between each code word. This gives the listener time to write down or process each letter.
Confirm Tricky Letters
Letters like M/N, B/D, and S/F are often confused. Use phrases like "M as in Mike" to emphasize.
Ask for Read-Back
After spelling something critical, ask the listener to repeat it back. This catches errors immediately.
Group Characters
For long strings, group characters (e.g., "First four letters: Alpha Bravo Charlie Delta"). This makes it easier to follow.
Common Confusions to Avoid
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called the "NATO" phonetic alphabet?
While originally developed by ICAO for aviation, the alphabet was adopted by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) for military communications. The name stuck because of NATO's widespread use and recognition, though "ICAO phonetic alphabet" is equally correct.
Why is "Nine" pronounced "Niner"?
In the NATO phonetic alphabet, the number 9 is pronounced "Niner" to avoid confusion with the German word "Nein" (meaning "no"), which sounds nearly identical. This distinction is crucial in international aviation and military contexts where misunderstanding could have serious consequences.
Is this the same alphabet pilots use?
Yes! The NATO/ICAO phonetic alphabet is the international standard for aviation worldwide. Pilots, air traffic controllers, and ground crew all use these exact code words to communicate clearly over radio.
What's the difference between NATO, LAPD, and Western Union alphabets?
The NATO/ICAO alphabet is the international standard, designed for clarity across languages. The LAPD alphabet uses simpler, American-centric names (Adam, Boy, Charles) and is popular with US law enforcement. The Western Union alphabet is a historic variant from the telegraph era. NATO is recommended for general use due to its international recognition.
Can I use phonetic spelling in languages other than English?
The NATO alphabet was specifically designed to work across multiple languages. The code words were tested with speakers of many nationalities to ensure they could be pronounced and understood clearly. However, for non-Latin scripts, other systems may be more appropriate.
Do I need to memorize the entire alphabet?
No! That's what this tool is for. Simply type your text and get the phonetic spelling instantly. Over time, you'll naturally memorize the most common letters. The reference table above is also always available.