Finite elements modelling(FEM) is used to simulate the compression response of core-shell microcapsules with an elastic-perfectly plastic wall material. Three methods are presented to calculate the yield stress of the material from experimental compression force curves. Dry melamine-formaldehyde microcapsules compressed using a micromanipulation technique were used as experimental validation. The calculated yield stress with the different methods all agreed within sample variability, at similar to 130 MPa. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.