The catalytic hydrogenolysis of methyl formate to methanol was studied. Copper chromite catalysts with 42-78wt% of copper oxide content were used. The selectivities and activities of the catalysts were measured as a function of reaction temperature, pressure, amounts of water content, and preteatment conditions of catalysts such as reduction temperatures and reduction time. The selectivity to methanol was always higher than 99% above 50 bar of hydrogen pressure and 180℃. The catalysts was easily deactivated above 180℃. The activity depended greatly upon the reduction states of catalysts. This was believed to be due to the differences in the amounts of Cu⁺ species in cata-lysts, known to be an active species in the reaction. The conclusion was supported by XRD results of the catalysts treated at different conditions.