This study was performed to characterize inverse emulsion type cationic polyacrylamide (PAM) and to compare with powder and salt dispersion type PAMs as a retention and drainage aid. Salt dispersion type PAM has defects of high amount of salt which increases conductivity of white water, low active polymer contents and relatively worse retention and drainage properties than others because of its low molecular weight. Powder type PAM has benefit of high active polymer contents and good retention and drainage properties, but defects of low dissolution speed and insoluble particle generation were observed. However, inverse emulsion type showed the best retention and drainage aids among them by controlling molecular weight and morphology easily and it had relatively higher active polymer contents and better solubility.