To assess the value of erect abdominal radiograph as a part of routine three radiographs including a supine erect simple abdomen and a chest radiograph, authors performed an analysis in 77 patients admitted with acute abdominal symptomes. The radiographs were interpreted initially by five radiologists, special note being made of the value of the erect abdominal radiograph over the combination of supine abdomen and chest radiograph. Erect abdomen was considered to be slightly valuable in 14% of the time. In 14%, only 4% provided specific information that was helpful in making diagnosis. It is suggested that elimination of erect abdomen could result in financial saving and decreased radiation exposure without significant loss of diagnostic information.