Disclosed is an apparatus for determining the inter-fiber frictional coefficient of staple fibers. The apparatus comprises a pair of clamps, one fixed and the other mobile wherein, each clamp receives an end portion of a sliver therewithin. The apparatus further comprises a pair of predetermined weights, each mounted over a clamp in order to exert normal force on either end of the sliver whereby the movement of the sliver within the clamps is resisted as the mobile clamp is moves away from the fixed clamp until the sliver is severed off, a force sensor for sensing the tensile force exerted by the sliver, and a means for computing the inter-fiber frictional coefficient, which is a function of the normal force and the amount of tensile force exerted by the sliver which overcomes the inter-fiber frictional force of the sliver.