In this paper, the axial density profile of tablets of microcrystal line cellulose (MCC) powder compacted in nonlubricated die is investigated by finite element modelling (FEM). The Drucker-Prager/Cap model was adopted for the compaction behavior of powder. The material parameters of the model, including the die wall friction coefficient, were estimated from experimental data of die compaction where the initial density of powder is taken uniform. Changes of Young's modulus with density was measured with a four-point beam bending test. The results of the simulation of the compression and the decompression steps were used to calculate the axial density distribution. Comparison with the measured data presented in [A. Michrafy, M.S. Kadiri, J.A.D. Dodds. Wall friction and its effects on the density distribution in the compaction of pharmaceutical excipients, Chem. Eng. Research and Design. Vol. 81. Part A. September (2003)] is discussed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.