An evaluation method of modal fracture energy was newly proposed for fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites which essentially showed multi-modal fracture behavior. The total work done during fracture was separated into the tensile fracture work and the shear fracture work in consideration of the tensile fracture surface area and the shear fracture surface area. This modal separation resulted in the tensile fracture energy and the shear fracture energy per unit crack extension. Modal fracture energies of carbon fiber-reinforced pitch-derived carbon composites heat-treated at 1000 degrees C and 1200 degrees C were evaluated by this method. The tensile fracture energies of the composites heat-treated at 1000 degrees C and 1200 degrees C were 0.92 kJ/m(2) and 1.4 kJ/m(2), the shear fracture energies of the composites heat-treated at 1000 degrees C and 1200 degrees C were 0.020 kJ/m(2) and 0.030 kJ/m(2), respectively. The experimental result successfully demonstrated the adequate modal fracture energies of the composites.