A numerical solution for a general population balance equation (PBE) for Ostwald ripening is compared with the usual approach developed by Lifshitz-Slyozov-Wagner (LSW). The PBE incorporates denucleation for unstable particles smaller than the critical nucleus size and reversible growth or dissolution of stable particles. The PBE theory shows how supersaturation decays to equilibrium, and (unlike LSW) how the particle size distribution (PSD) and its moments evolve to a final monodisperse state. The LSW model is known to correctly depict time dependence of particle number concentration and average particle size, but misrepresents the PSD higher moments. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.