The kinetics of shear-induced coalescence of polystyrene(PS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends containing 1 and 5% PMMA were studied as a function of shear rate with rheo-SALS (small angle light scattering). The growth of the average particle size is shown to be a function of total strain independent of shear rate, the growth rate being controlled by the volume fraction of the dispersed phase. The experimental behavior is quantitatively described by the simulation of the evolution of particle size distribution on the basis of non-linear rate equations including hydrodynamic interactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.