It is useful to determine the approximate composition of a wax so that a large number of samples from different sources can be compared easily. The volatile hydrocarbon and monoester components of several waxes have been analyzed and compared by gas chromatography. Although portions of the waxes are nonvolatile, the results are sufficient to distinguish the waxes. Gas chromatography is suitable for comparing the composition of a large number of waxes of different origin and for detecting and estimating mixtures.