The conversion of aqueous ethanol to hydrocarbons, over HZSM-5 of silica-alumina ratio 206 and 40, is described. The effect of temperature (673-773 K) on product distribution reveals definite trends, The yield and distribution of the products were influenced by catalyst-binder (alumina) composition, dilution of feed and the silica-alumina ratio of the catalyst. It is seen that light olefins can be obtained in good yield at high temperature, in absence of a binder, with dilution of the feed and with higher silica-alumina ratio.