AbstractA model is presented which relates the crystal size distribution (CSD) from a mixed–suspension, mixed‐product‐removal (MSMPR) crystallizer to the distribution of growth rates. This model is based on the assumption that individual contact nuclei have some inherent growth rate which remains constant, but the growth rate may vary from crystal to crystal. The crystal size distribution can be calculated from prior knowledge of the growth rate distribution. Even a limited knowledge of only the coefficient of variation and the mean growth rate permits an approximation of the expected crystal size distribution. Conversely, estimates of the mean and variance of the growth rate distribution can be determined from the moments of the CSD from an MSMPR crystal