The full-scale measurements on ore pressure acting on a cargo hold of a Pana-max type bulk carrier were conducted in 1984. This paper describes the results of the full-scale test and the numerical analysis on ore pressure. And the design ore load is considered from practical aspects. The findings made from the present investigation are as follows : (1) The new measuring method of ore pressure has been developed and its validity was confirmed. (2) The ore pressure distribution in loading and the fluctuation of ore pressure in service were measured. (3) The numerical results using MARC program were in good agreement with the experimental results. (4) Coulomb's theory tends to overestimate ore pressure acting on inclined wall of a bulk carrier because the angle between inner bottom plate and inclined wall is too large. (5) The ore pressure distribution is approximately estimated by a simple equation of γ · H . (6) The fluctuation of ore pressure in service is conservatively estimated by a equation of p ₀· (α_υ/ g ).