The relationship between steam coal prices and quality parameters on the world coal market have been analysed. Analysis has been based on the spot transactions data of ten main coal exporters in the period 1995-1997, published by Coal Week International. The results of analysis allow to state that there is a sharp dependence of coal price upon its calorific value; the relation between price and sulphur content in coal is weaker. The relation between price and ash content has not been noted. As a result of multiple regression analysis the regression equations have been obtained and - based on them - the exemplary price formula have been constructed.