NATO Phonetic Alphabet
The full NATO spelling alphabet (Alfa to Zulu, plus digits) with a converter that spells any text in NATO code.
Results
This page is the complete NATO phonetic alphabet - the international radiotelephony spelling alphabet used by pilots, the military, emergency services and call centres worldwide. All 26 code words from Alfa to Zulu are listed below with the ten digit words, and the converter at the top will spell any text you type in NATO code instantly.
The alphabet at a glance
Each letter of the English alphabet is assigned a code word chosen so that no two can be confused, even over the worst radio link: A is Alfa, B is Bravo, C is Charlie, and so on through X-ray, Yankee and Zulu. The official spellings contain two deliberate quirks worth knowing: Alfa is spelled with an F and Juliett with a double T, so that French and other non-English speakers pronounce them correctly. Digits are read as plain number words, with niner often used for 9 in aviation so it cannot be confused with five or the German nein.
Where it came from
The alphabet was standardised in the 1950s by the International Civil Aviation Organization after years of testing across languages and noisy radio conditions, replacing the older Able-Baker alphabet. The words were chosen specifically because speakers of English, French and Spanish could all say and recognise them - which is why it spread from aviation to NATO, shipping, policing and eventually to every customer-service call where a booking code has to survive a bad connection.
Learning and using it
You do not need to memorise all 26 words at once. Learn the ones in your own name and email address first - the converter above will show you exactly which they are - and pick up the rest through use. Practise by spelling car number plates in your head; most people are fluent within a week. When you need to spell something right now, the Spell My Name tool does the conversion for any text and reads it aloud, and the Commonly Misspelled Words list covers the words you might be spelling in the first place.
Frequently asked questions
What is the NATO phonetic alphabet?
The international spelling alphabet: 26 code words, one per letter (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie ... Zulu), standardised by ICAO in the 1950s so letters can be transmitted without confusion over radio and phone.
Why is Alfa spelled with an F and Juliett with two Ts?
Deliberately, so non-English speakers pronounce them correctly: the F prevents the "ph" being read as P-H, and the double T stops French speakers leaving the final T silent.
How are numbers said in the NATO alphabet?
As plain number words: Zero, One, Two and so on. In aviation, 9 is often said as "niner" so it cannot be confused with five or with the German word nein.
Who uses the NATO alphabet today?
Pilots and air traffic control, the military, shipping, police and emergency services, airlines and virtually every call centre. It is the default way to spell anything important by voice.
What is the fastest way to learn it?
Start with the letters of your own name and email address, then practise spelling number plates or street names in your head. The converter on this page gives instant feedback.