ISO 8008:2005 specifies an instrumental method for the determination of specific surface area of smelter-grade alumina by nitrogen adsorption by a single- or multi-point method. A multi-point method is recommended due to the higher accuracy obtained; if a single-point method is used, a lower result will be obtained.

ISO 8008:2005 is applicable to aluminas having a surface area between 50 m²/g and 90 m²/g.