We have investigated the formation of barium hexaferrite via the coprecipitation method. Various reagent salts and solvents were tested, and the coprecipitates were calcined at 300-800 degrees C for 1-50 h. The samples were characterized with X-ray powder diffraction, electron microscopy and magnetometry. The coprecipitation conditions had a significant influence on the formation time of the barium hexaferrite, which started to form at as low as 500 degrees C. The optimum coprecipitation conditions were: ethanol as a solvent and chlorides as reagent salts. Powders with optimum magnetic properties, saturation magnetization 60-63 emu/g and coercivity 4-5 kOe, were obtained by calcining at 600-700 degrees C.