The relations between the electrode characteristics and structures or textures of pitch-based carbon fibers controlled by spinning or stabilization conditions were investigated, The graphitized fiber spun at a lower viscosity, had a higher degree of graphitization and a higher discharge capacity. The graphitized fiber spun at a higher viscosity, exhibited a higher rate capability, suggesting that lithium ions can diffuse more easily in a fiber composing of smaller crystallites than larger ones. The graphitized fiber stabilized at a higher temperature, showed a lower irreversible capacity, which may be due to the relatively less developed graphite structure in the surface region. The graphitized pitch-based carbon fiber prepared with optimum conditions achieved a maximum discharge capacity of 315 mAh/g, an initial irreversible capacity of 10 mAh/g and an initial coulumbic efficiency of about 97%.