The problem of determining the elastic moduli of some particulate materials (granular, non-cohesive) is analysed. First, a brief survey of existing laboratory methods and a literature review are presented. Some basic shortcomings regarding the interpretation of commonly accepted tests and the determination of material parameters are discussed. Then an original method of determining the elastic moduli of particulate materials is proposed. The method is based on a new interpretation of oedometric tests, with additional measurement of lateral stresses. An original feature of this interpretation is that the first phase of unloading is elastic. The elastic moduli for various particulate materials, such as soils, grains, powders and metal balls, are determined. It has been shown that the elastic moduli of particulate materials do not significantly depend on either the initial density of the material or the stress level, in contrast to some widely accepted opinions.