The physical properties of air and superheated steam were analysed in a range of temperature applied in paper and paperboard drying processes. On the basis of tests carried out on a pilot stand the values of energy indices for air and steam drying processes are compared. With the drying media temperature as Tm= 300°C, nozzle velocity v= 60m/s and using the Huang and Mujumdar model as well as relationships given by Chance a compartive analysis of the results has been carried out Variation of several indices in the range of temperatures 100-600°C and various nozzle velocities was studied.