Three prepared manganese oxide powders from K+-contaminated NH4MnO4, of high surface area (43-340 m(2) g(-1)) were investigated for the assessment of the textural consequences of compaction. The powders were compacted in die at various pressures (1-15 ton in(-2)) encompassing technological conditions. Textural modifications were estimated by applying the f-plots. Results indicated that compaction effects vary depending on the initial physicochemical characteristics of the powder. For industrial applications of pelleted catalysts, it is advisable to choose the appropriate compaction pressure to give optimal textural characteristics.