AbstractIn this study a palatal index (P.I.) was established for 121 randomly selected normal Australian children. Mean P.I. indices were compared in the primary, mixed and permanent dentitions. A subjective assessment of relative palatal height was also carried out by two independent examiners and an attempt was made to examine the reliability of the subjective assessment, and its validity compared with the P.I. Measurements were recorded on stone casts at Level 1 (distal to the primary second molars/second premolars) and Level 2 (between primary first and second molar/first and second premolars). At Level 1 the mean P.I. increased significantly from the primary to the mixed and permanent dentitions. At level 2 the P.I. remained stable. Findings indicate that subjective assessment of relative palatal height was fairly reliable: there was approximately 80% interexaminer and intraexaminer agreement. Subjective assessment of palatal height correlated reasonably well with the P.I.