The number of active sites (Ns), surface chemistry (redox, acid, base) and TOF values were compared for bulk one component oxides, bulk mixed metal oxides and supported metal oxides. The number of active sites was based on CH3OH chemisorption. The surface chemistry was based on CH3OH-TPSR and steady state CH3OH oxidation. The specific TOF values were based on the steady state methanol oxidation activity values and Ns values. The Ns values were found to depend on the catalyst morphology (isotropic > anisotropic). The surface chemistry was found to dramatically depend on the specific metal oxide element. For supported bulk mixed metal molybdates, the surfaces were found to be dominated by segregation of MoOx and, consequently, the surface chemistry and TOFredox values were dominated by the characteristics of the bulk one component MoO3. Similarly, for the supported molybdenum oxide catalysts, the surface is dominated by the surface MoOx sites that dictate the surface chemistry and TOFredox values that reflect the surface chemistry and TOFredox of the bulk one component MoO3. Thus, it is possible to predict the surface chemistry and TOF values from knowledge of the surface composition of mixed oxides and the surface chemistry and TOF values of the bulk one component oxides. This conclusion should also hold for other types of mixed oxides such as polyoxometalates (POMs) and supported MOx/silicates and MOx/zeolite catalyst systems.