NATO Phonetic Alphabet
Convert any text to the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie…). Reference grid included. Free.
How to use
Why a phonetic alphabet?
The NATO phonetic alphabet (officially the ICAO/International Radiotelephony Spelling Alphabet) assigns a distinct, internationally recognised word to each letter so that there's no confusion over noisy radio or phone connections. "M" and "N" sound alike — "Mike" and "November" don't.
When to use it
Spelling names, postcodes, reference numbers and call signs over the phone. Pilots, ham radio operators, the military and police use it daily. Also useful in customer service and any noisy environment.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NATO phonetic alphabet?
It is the standard spelling alphabet used in aviation, military and radio communication, where each letter has a distinct code word, such as Alpha for A, Bravo for B and Charlie for C, so letters are not confused over a poor connection.
How are numbers pronounced in the NATO alphabet?
Digits are spoken individually, with some distinct pronunciations to avoid confusion: for example 'niner' for 9 and 'tree' for 3 in radio use.
When should I use it?
Whenever you need to spell something clearly over the phone or radio, such as a reference number, postcode, registration plate or email address.