From the residual gum content values, all the alkalis used could be placed in two groups, first those (A-1, 2 and 4) which offered residual gum content within 3.5%– 4%, and the second those which offered residual gum content within 5%–6%. The characteristics of the alkalis (first group) are: they have higher Kb values, all are hydroxyl compounds with different metal ions and all of them required only 2 h to offer 3.5%–4% residual gum content. Among the alkalis A-1, 2 and 4 (first group),A-4 (barium hydroxide) required a higher percentage (6% w/v) because of its comparatively lower Kb value within the group. Other alkalis (second group) required the same quantity (6%, w/v) but different time intervals for the degumming (5–6% residual gum). It can be noted that as the Kb value of such alkali (second group) decreases (i.e., a higher negative value), their treatment time increases. Therefore, degumming of ramie is a factor of the basicity of the alkalis used.