Size analysis of polymer beads is currently carried out using instruments such as Coulter counters. Here, image analysis software was used to analyze digital pictures of polymer beads and determine size profiles. Analysis was automated to provide high throughput scanning of images, and results compared favorably with traditional laser diffraction measurements. The technique also enabled the roundness of the beads to be measured in order to assess the bead quality after polymerization and physical manipulation. This method enabled automated and high throughput characterization of beads.