Category: Text tools
NATO Phonetic Alphabet Converter
Convert text to and from the NATO phonetic alphabet
Convert text into the NATO phonetic alphabet (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie...), used by pilots, radio operators and call centers to spell words clearly, or convert a phonetic spelling back into plain text. Runs entirely in your browser.
Lima Oscar Charlie Alpha Lima / Tango Oscar Oscar Lima Sierra
Everything on this page is processed in your browser. Nothing is uploaded.
What this tool does
The NATO phonetic alphabet assigns a distinct, easily recognized word to each letter of the alphabet and each digit, so that spelling remains clear over a noisy radio channel or phone line. This tool converts any text into its phonetic spelling, word by word, and can also parse a phonetic spelling like 'Sierra Oscar Sierra' back into plain letters and digits.
How to use it
- Choose Encode to spell text phonetically, or Decode to turn a phonetic spelling back into text.
- Type or paste your text.
- Copy the result.
Privacy
This tool runs entirely in your browser. Your input is never uploaded, stored or shared — closing the tab removes it.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is 9 spelled Niner instead of Nine?
- Niner is used in the official NATO/ICAO alphabet to avoid Nine being confused with the German word for no, 'nein', over a radio.
- Does this handle punctuation and numbers?
- Letters and digits are converted to their phonetic words; spaces become a slash between words, and other punctuation passes through unchanged.
- Is this the same alphabet used by pilots and the military?
- Yes. It's the standard ICAO/NATO spelling alphabet used in aviation, maritime radio, the military and many customer service call centers.