Powders of Cr and Cr carbides (Cr 2C, Cr 7C 3, and Cr 23C 6) have been prepared by hydrogen reduction of CrO 1.9 and Cr 3C 2 powders of different morphology, texture and specific surface area. The Cr and Cr carbides particles have the morphology of the parent compound and a narrow size distribution. Depending on the shape, the average size is of the order of some micrometers or some tens of micrometers. Starting with Cr 3C 2 allows the preparation of Cr powders at a temperature (1000°C) markedly lower than that required when CrO 1.9 is used as the precursor (1300°C). However, a Cr 3C 2 specific surface area of the order of 10 m 2/g is necessary to achieve this within a reasonably short time (6 to 12 h). Powders of the lower carbides are prepared by using a milder hydrogen thermal treatment.