The objectives of this study were to validate a single-edge V-notch diametral compression fracture toughness technique for ceramics. Rounded notches and sharpened "V-notches" were introduced into porous, fine-grained alumina samples, and the fracture toughness results were compared. A theory linking the toughness of the material to the degree of densification fit the fracture toughness results well. The data for the V-notch samples were found to correlate very well with published results for porous alumina. The fracture toughness values were found to be independent of the specimen thickness or notch depth.