A fast heating approach for the synthesis of BaTiO3 powder is studied. The formation of BaTiO3 starts at 250degreesC in the thermal decomposition of BaTiO3-EDTA gel precursor. The inevitable formation of BaCO3 phase in the thermal decomposition process of precursor could be retarded using fast heating technique which is done by placing the dried precursor in the pre-set furnace at 1000degreesC for 5 min. The residual carbon in the ceramic powders is investigated by using thermal gravimetric analysis and the decomposition reactions are discussed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.