AbstractFrom the hot hardness test, information can be obtained concerning the time dependent flow, or creep, of the material beneath the indenter. Analysis of these data for selfsimilar indentation (i.e. indentation using a pyramid or cone) leads to equations from which the power law creep exponent and activation energy for creep can be derived, within limits imposed by the approximations of the method. The technique is used to analyse hot hardness data for metals and ceramics, drawn from a number of sources.MST/1484