The CALPHAD approach coupled with modelling of solid-liquid interfacial energy has been used to calculate the driving force for nucleation in undercooled melts. Thermodynamic parameters needed in nucleation have been evaluated using simplified formulae or numerical methods from assessed phase diagrams. Various models for the interfacial energy and its temperature dependence have been used. Phase selection on solidification and devitrification of glasses as well as the range of amorphous phase formation have been predicted in the Al-Ce and Fe-B systems and compared with those experimentally determined. Furthermore, the formation of quasicrystals in the Al-Mn and the competition with other compounds has been investigated. (C) 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.