In a method of measuring parameters of superabsorbents, the absorption capacity of superabsorbents is determined under pressure, by reducing the pressure applied to a sample of the superabsorbent stepwise and determining the absorption capacity at each pressure. In addition, the rise in absorption capacity after a reduction in pressure is measured as a function of time and this is used to calculate the swelling constant k or the characteristic swelling time τ. Swelling constant or characteristic swelling time or the magnitude of the difference in absorption capacity at two different pressures are used to determine further parameters of the superabsorbent.