Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is one of the inert matrix candidates selected for investigation as host matrix for minor actinide (MA) transmutation. The structural properties of (Zr-0.84, Y-0.16)O-1.92 beads prepared by a sol-gel method for MA infiltration, are characterized as calcined (850 degrees C) and sintered (1,600 degrees C) beads. The calcined YSZ beads are fine-grained and homogenous over the entire sphere and are surrounded by a uniform outer layer of approximately 30 mu m thickness. After sintering at 1,600 degrees C, the beads are compacted to 51% of their initial volume and exhibit a granular structure. The thermal expansion is nearly linear for the calcined material, but shows a parabolic behavior for the sintered (1,400 degrees C) beads. In addition, the thermal expansion of calcined material is 20-25% less than after sintering. During heating up to 1,400 degrees C, two processes can be distinguished. The first occurs between 900 and 1,000 degrees C and is related to an increase in unit cell order. The second process involves grain-growth of the less crystalline calcined material between 1,100 and 1,300 degrees C. These results have implications for preparation of YSZ and its use as an inert MA transmutation matix.