The results of the total pore volume examination of 18 Polish bituminous coals are presented in the paper. The research was carried out by the mercury porosimetry in connection with the mercury and helium density measurements. For the tested population of coals it was stated that there occured a correlation between the volume of pores with the radius smaller than 7.5 nm and the mass proportion and structure of the organic matter of coal. The structure was characterised by means of a structural index similar to the one suggested by Oberlin. In the case of pores greater than 7.5 nm it was proved that their volume depended only on the mass proportion in coal of both of the basic components, i.e. organic and mineral matter. Moreover, it was stated that the predominant volume of pores in the examined coals was connected with the pores with radius r < 2500 nm.