This method (1, 2) is used to determine the five principal monosaccharides which define the carbohydrate composition of wood and wood pulp. The constituents determined quantitatively and on an absolute basis are glucan, mannan, arabinan, xylan and galactan. Concentrations of the individual components as low as 0.1% can be determined. The method is applicable to extractive-free wood as well as to wood pulp.