Adhesive tack is the property that controls the instantaneous formation of a bond when an adhesive and a surface are brought into contact. Although tack test methods are generally simple to perform, tack is sensitive to many experimental factors and obtaining reliable measurements can be a problem. This guide is intended to give guidance on the measurement of permanently tacky pressure sensitive adhesives (including tapes) and adhesives whose tack requires activation in some way. Standard test methods for pressure sensitive adhesives (rolling ball, loop tack, probe tack and quick stick) are discussed. A tack measurement method developed for the footwear industry is presented as a case study that illustrates the issues involved in measuring the tack of active adhesives.