A sensitive and precise method is proposed in which total organic carbon (TOC) analysis is used to quantify aerosol powder samples collected on the stages of an Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI). In order to demonstrate the versatility of the method, size distributions of powders of varying composition and dose are presented. The results of ACI collections analyzed by both the TOC method and gravimetry are also compared, and particle size distributions created by TOC analysis of ACI collections are compared to aerodynamic size distributions (mass-weighted) acquired with an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS). A TOC analysis of the effects of particle bounce during ACI runs with and without plate surface coatings is also presented. ACI results analyzed by the TOC method and gravimetry were found to be comparable; APS-generated particle size distributions were also found,to be similar to those created by TOC analysis of an 8-stage ACI run. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.