The ease with which plasticizer is combined with poly(vinyl chloride) resin is a measure of processing characteristics critical in the dry blending of suspension PVC and the gelation of plastisols. By using commercial grade plasticizers, this study developed predictive equations for the following processing parameters of dialkyl phthalates in PVC: Relative dry-blend rates in suspension PVC as a function of plasticizer viscosity. Relative initial gelation temperatures in plastisols as a function of plasticizer molecular weight and solvating strength. Relative final gelation temperatures in plastisols as a function of plasticizer solvating strength. This information allows one to predict the relative processing characteristics of any dialkyl phthalate plasticizer for PVC on the basis of its chemical and physical properties.