An experimental study has been conducted for the three-dimensional in-cylinder swirl flow under steady conditions. Velocity fields are measured by using an LDV at various valve lifts. Effects of geometry of inlet ports on swirl flows are investigated for standard and helical ports. Swirl distributions evaluated from velocity measurements are compared with those obtained from an impulse torque swirl meter. Results show that the helical port generates more intensive swirl than the standard one but it causes red- uction in air flow coefficient. At the lower valve lift, no significant difference is observ- ed in non-dimensional swirl values between two ports because of limited pre-swirl effect, while it becomes significant as the valve lift increases.