The distinction between proximate and ultimate analysis of coal are as follows :
| Proximate analysis | Ultimate analysis |
|---|---|
| Proximate analysis of coal is an assay of the quantity of the coal. | The ultimate analysis is the element analysis of the coal. |
| The various parameter studied are percentages of moisture, volatile matter, ash and fixed carbon. | The various parameters studies are percentages of carbon, hydrogen, sulphur, nitrogen, ash and oxygen. |
| The analysis is cheap and the process is fast. | The analysis is comparatively costly and the process is slow. |
| It is used for classification, the gradation of coal and predicting its industrial use. | It is used to find the calorific value of the coal and heat balance sheets. |
| Hardness | Water softening |
| Pathogenic bacteria. | Disinfection |