Five theoretical models relating strength to total pore volume are fitted to the experimental data for seven cokes and the goodness of fit is compared. Estimates of zero-porosity strength are obtained by extrapolation and are compared with alternative estimates obtained by fracturing small ( approximately 0.1 mm) coke particles containing only 5% of pores. Predictions of the surface area of the microfissures formed when some constituents of coke contract around non-contracting particle constituents during the coke formation process are compared with experimental results obtained by microscopy.