Abstract In this research, dense MoSi 2 was fabricated using of spark plasma sintering. Mo and Si powders according to MoSi 2 stoichiometry ratio was mixed by a high energy ball mill for 1 h. The milled powders were compacted into green body by using 200 MPa uniaxial pressure. Then the samples were synthesized and sintered in one step by using spark plasma sintering apparatus at temperature from 1273 to 1573 K. X-ray diffraction results showed that at 1273 K there is no reaction between Mo and Si. By increasing temperature to 1373 K the reaction between Mo and Si was took place. Also, the effect of temperature and holding time on the in situ synthesis–sintering, density and mechanical properties was also investigated.