The adsorption equilibria of nitrous oxide (N(2)O) on three commercial activated carbons were systematically investigated by means of a volumetric method at pressures up to 101 kPa and temperatures ranging from (195 to 323) K. The multiple-process adsorption equilibrium model appropriately describes the equilibrium data over the whole range of the applied conditions. The estimated total adsorption capacity of N(2)O is higher for activated carbon which possesses a higher pore volume determined by N(2) adsorption at 77 K. The thermodynamic properties such as the adsorption equilibrium constant and enthalpy associated with adsorption were derived to characterize interactions between adsorbate and adsorbent.