Soot is generated from coal when volatile matter, tar in particular, undergoes secondary reactions at high temperatures. A description of soot in coal flames allows better calculations of radiative transfer and temperatures in near-burner regions, which in turn allows more accurate predictions of NOx formation in coal-fired furnaces. Experiments are reviewed that examine the formation, agglomeration and properties of coal-derived soot, including pyrolysis experiments and combustion experiments. This review includes the types of experiments performed, the soot yields obtained, the size of the soot particles and agglomerates, the optical properties of soot, the relationship between coal-derived soot and soot from simple hydrocarbons, and attempts to model soot in coal flames.