The extensional characteristics of branched and linear polyolefin melts have been evaluated in slit die flow cells with abrupt contraction ratios of 4:1 and 15:1 on a single screw extruder Apparent extensional viscosities of the melts in planar flows have been obtained by two routes, the first employing extensional strain rate data measured from particle velocimetry, the second using a continuum mechanics analysis based on the entry flow profile. The influence of flow geometry on apparent extensional viscosity of the polymer melts has been investigated. The measured in-process apparent extensional viscosities of the branched and Linear polyolefin melts are found to be in good agreement, despite differences in the strain histories imposed by two contraction geometries (centre line extensional stress and corresponding average axial strain rates differ). Particle velocimetry was found to be better than the continuum mechanics approach in obtaining extensional strain rates due to a lower susceptibility to experimental errors. It appears that the in-process methods of assessing apparent extensional viscosity, with an abrupt 180 degrees entry slit die, are geometry independent for the range of materials, strain and strain rates covered and provide a useful technique for ranking process-typical extensional behaviour of melts.