This method is for determining the crush strength of catalysts and molecular sieves using an Erweka tablet hardness testing instrument. The method applies to extrudates or spheres, herein referred to as particles, generally having a nominal diameter of 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) or larger. The detection range is from 250 Newtons (N) (56 lbf) down to 5 N (1 lbf).