Formaterials with 1D or 2D lithiation pathways and non-spherical particle shapes, knowledge of the crystallographic grain orientation in the particle and the active particle orientation in the porous electrode is important for quantifying battery performance. Here we study graphite anodes and show how X-ray diffraction based texture measurements can be used to quantify both the particle orientation, which develops during the coating and calendaring process, and the grain orientation within a specific type of graphite. This lab-based, non-invasive approach to study electrode structure and active particles can assist in engineering improved lithium ion batteries. (C) The Author(s) 2017. Published by ECS. All rights reserved.