NATO Phonetic Alphabet Converter
Type text to spell it in the NATO phonetic alphabet, or paste code words to turn them back into text.
What this tool does
The NATO phonetic alphabet gives each letter a code word so that letters are not confused over a radio or phone: A is Alpha, B is Bravo, C is Charlie. Type text above to spell it out, for example "Hi 5" becomes "Hotel India / Five". Switch direction to decode code words back to text.
Replaces each letter and digit with its code word and shows spaces as a slash.
Reads code words back into letters and numbers.
How to use it
- Choose text to code words, or code words to text.
- Type or paste your input.
- Optionally choose the official ICAO spellings and aviation number words.
- Read and copy the result.
Why use this converter
Spells any text in the NATO phonetic alphabet, with the common spellings or the official ICAO ones (Alfa, Juliett) and the aviation way of saying numbers. Spelling a name, a reference number or a postcode over a phone is error-prone because B, D, P and T sound alike. A standard word for each letter removes the confusion, and writing the spelling out saves doing it from memory.
Why we built it
We built the NATO phonetic alphabet converter to offer the official ICAO spellings and number pronunciations, and to read code words back to text. Compare other codes with the Morse code translator and the number to words converter.
Who this tool is for
- Call-centre and support staff spelling names
- Radio, aviation and military learners
- Anyone giving a reference over the phone
When to use it
- Spelling a name, order number or booking reference over the phone.
- Learning the alphabet for amateur radio, aviation or military tests.
- Writing a script or a quiz.
- Decoding a message written in code words.
How it works
The NATO alphabet was standardised by the ICAO in the 1950s and the code words were chosen to be easy to pronounce and distinguish across languages. The official spellings are "Alfa" and "Juliett" (so that non-English speakers pronounce them correctly); most people write Alpha and Juliet.
In radiotelephony numbers also have special pronunciations: 3 is "Tree", 4 is "Fower", 5 is "Fife" and 9 is "Niner". The converter can use these or plain number words. A space in the text is shown as a slash.
What you give it, and what you get back
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Direction | Text to code words, or code words to text. |
| Input | Letters and digits; punctuation is kept as typed. |
| Options | ICAO spellings and aviation numbers. |
| Output | Code words separated by spaces, or the decoded text. |
Issues you may run into
| What you see | Why it happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A word is shown as ? | It is not a recognised code word. | Check the spelling; Alpha/Alfa and Juliet/Juliett are both accepted. |
| Accented letters appear unchanged | The alphabet covers A-Z. | Remove accents first. |
| Spaces look odd | A space is shown as a slash. | This marks a word break. |
Assumptions and limitations
- English letters A-Z and digits 0-9 only.
- Does not cover national or police spelling alphabets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NATO phonetic alphabet?
A standard set of 26 code words, one per letter, used to spell words clearly over radio and phone.
Is it the same as the ICAO alphabet?
Yes. NATO and the ICAO use the same code words.
Why is it spelled Alfa and Juliett?
The official spellings help non-English speakers pronounce the words as intended.
How do you say numbers in it?
Aviation uses Zero, One, Two, Tree, Fower, Fife, Six, Seven, Eight and Niner.
Can I convert code words back?
Yes. Switch the direction and paste the words.
Is my text or file sent anywhere?
No. Everything runs in your browser and nothing leaves the page.