Abstract To obtain the lateral order distribution of native cellulose fibers the fractional dissolution method, the D.P. method and the moisture regain method were adopted. Among these three methods the fractional dissolution method gives the most correct distribution. The other methods give somewhat different distribution curves, the meanings of which were discussed. The structural difference between wood pulp and linters pulp is due to the difference in the degrees of perfection of crystalline regions, whereas no difference between sulfate pulp and sulfite pulp is observed in their crystalline regions. One might conclude that the fractional dissolution method is the best method to obtain the lateral order distribution inboth native and regenerated cellulose fibers.