The purpose of this study was to improve the method of using an inclined parallel plate (IPP) in directly estimating the yield stress τ iy and evaluating the properties of a thickened liquid. The flow curve of the relationship between the shear rate and shear stress of a liquid thickened with a xanthan gum agent was predicted using the). We supposed that the yield stress τ y and the result of a line spread test (LST) indicate the deformation state and the flow state of shear stress (k _ γ nÀ1 ), respectively. τ iy , the yield stress τ ry estimated adopting a rotational viscometer and LST, was investigated for three liquids thickened with xanthan gum at four concentrations (C) at intervals of 0.5 wt% within the range 0.5-2.0 wt%. Linear plots of the relations of C versus τ iy and τ ry and the LST show that with an increase in C, the resistance force (τ ry and τ iy ) increases until flow starts, after which viscosity increases. We suggest that yield stress τ iy estimated with the IPP method effectively indicates the rheological properties of thickened liquids.