The hydroisomerization and hydrocracking of n-hexadecane were studied using a sulfated zirconia catalyst containing 0.5 wt % Pt. The conversions were obtained using both batch microautoclaves and continuous trickle bed reactors. Various process conditions were studied in both reactors using a reaction temperature of 150-degrees-C. Hexadecane conversions varied from 5 to 96 wt % depending on the process conditions. At lower conversions (<5 wt %), isomerization products accounted for most of the total conversion, while at higher conversions (>80%), cracking products accounted for most of the total conversion. The asymmetric distribution of the cracked products obtained with this catalyst is probably due to secondary cracking. The addition of adamantane suppressed the cracking yields at higher conversions.