This paper deals with the development of a new Biot number-drying coefficient (Bi-S) correlation. The developed correlation is used to determine the moisture transfer parameters in terms of moisture diffusivity and moisture transfer coefficient involved in the solids drying process. In the development of this correlation, a large number of experimental data taken from various sources in the literature are employed. In order to verify the validity of the present correlation, three sets of experimental moisture content variations for three different products such as potato, apple and yam are compared with the moisture profiles calculated using the correlations results and a good agreement is found. Thus, it is believed that the developed correlation will be helpful to design engineers and workers in the drying industries, in calculating the parameters affecting the drying process in a simple and accurate manner and optimizing the process. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.