Applicability of tearing modulus based on J-integral proposed by Paris et al is investigated using compact tension specimens of strutural alloy steel (SCM4). Both general fracture test and instability fracture test are performed. The applied tearing modulus, ( $T_{j}$)app estimated from the real load vs. crack growth curve measured from experiments are compared with that estimated from the limit load vs. crack growth curve. The results are : (1) the $T_{j}$parameter could be applied to predict crack growth instability : (2) The use of ( $T_{j}$)app estimated from the load vs. crack growth curve, proposed in this study could be well predicted crack growth instability instead of that estimated form the limit load vs. crack growth curve.e.