Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, evaluating forming capabilities of metal plate by means of ultrasonic waves where the rolling direction and the density of the plate are known. The method comprises the steps of launching acoustic waves into the plate and detecting acoustic waves propagating in the plate to establish acoustic velocities in the plate along at least two different directions. Then the value of a certain plastic strain characteristic, like the average plastic strain ratio R or the planar strain ratio .DELTA.R, is determined from a previously established empirical relationship between the velocities and the value of the plastic strain ratio R(.alpha.).