The aim of this work was the characterisation of the primary components of papermaking pulp, i.e. fibres and fines. Although it included the measurement of fibre dimensions, this work was mainly devoted to sizing fines, applying methods other than hose frequently used for pulp quality control. Therefore, in addition to the Kajaani method image analysis, laser diffraction and the electrical sensing zone method were also utilised. A chemical pulp was tested before and after laboratory refining. Finally, an evaluation was made of the handsheet strength and optical properties prepared with these pulps, with and without fines, in order to study the effect of the beating process and of the fines.