Activated carbons are widely used as commercial adsorbents. Thermal or chemical activation creates a pore system and functional groups on the inner surface which may significantly change adsorption properties. Therefore, in addition to knowledge of the structural properties, a sound understanding of surface chemistry is indispensable. This paper summarizes the state of art as well as new developments in both fields. Standardized methods for characterizing structural properties are volumetric measurements and mercury porosimetry. To get a more detailed insight into the region of micropores, a probe molecule method was developed. For characterization of surface chemistry, methods such as IR spectroscopy, temperature-programmed desorption, and Boehm titration are subject of research. Novel methods were developed such as measuring of excess isotherms and calorimetric measurement of heat of adsorption, which are presented and discussed in greater detail in this paper. As each single method can only provide limited information, a better description of surface chemistry requires combination and careful interpretation of complementary information from different methods. Property Standard Limitation Apparent density ASTM D 2854-09 Total ash content ASTM D 2866-11 Moisture ASTM D 2867-17 Ball-pan hardness ASTM D 3802-16 pH-value ASTM D 3838-05 Electrical conductivity ASTM D 1125-14 Water soluble components ASTM D 5029-98 Volatile matter content ASTM D 5832-98 Acid extractable content ASTM D 6385-99 Particle size distribution ASTM D 2862-16 granular activated carbon ASTM D 5158-98 powdered activated carbon Ignition temperature ASTM D 3466-06 granular activated carbon Dusting attrition ASTM D 5159-04 granular activated carbon www.ChemBioEngRev.de