The inhibition effect of meso-tetraphenyl-porphyrin (TPPH2), meso-tetra4-methophenyl-porphyrin TPPH2(p-Me), and meso-tetra4-actophenyl-porphyrin (TAcPPH2) on the corrosion of XC52 mild steel in aerated 0.5 M aqueous sulfuric acid solution was studied by potentiodynamic polarization experiments and quantum chemical calculations. Results from potentiodynamic polarization showed that inhibition efficiency of three compounds increased upon increasing of the inhibitor concentration and they are acting as mixed type inhibitors, having dominant anodic reactions. Adsorption of all compounds follows the Langmuir adsorption isotherm with moderate values of free energy of adsorption. Quantum chemical calculation using DFT/B3LYP method confirmed a strong bond between meso-tetraphenyl-porphyrins and mild steel surface. The inhibition mechanism was also determined by the potential of zero charge (PZC) measurement at the metal/solution interface.