We analyze the basis set dependence of NMR spin-spin coupling constants calculated using density functional theory in a set of benchmark molecules containing first row and hydrogen atoms. We find that similarly to calculations based on wavefunction theory, the flexibility of core gaussian basis functions plays a key role. For the set of molecules under consideration, we have analyzed the basis set limit and studied basis set of triple-zeta quality, which may be useful for practical applications. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.