The viability of using an air meter (Type B) for determining the maximum theoretical specific gravity (MTSG) of asphalt mixtures was evaluated. The air meter normally has been used for determining the percentage of air in fresh portland cement concrete. A series of experiments were performed using this new method (herein called the" pressure method") and the current standard (Rice) method. The primary experiment involved determining MTSG by two methods on 10 asphalt mixtures with varying asphalt contents. There was good correlation and no significant difference in the performance or precision between the two methods. There was little difference in obtaining the optimum asphalt content by the two methods. The results of the additional experiments with aggregates from three different sources indicated no difference in precision between methods or operators. Suggestions were made for modifying and improving the air meter for pressure method testing, to add versatility in the options for determining the MTSG of asphalt mixtures (and other materials of a porous or water-absorbent nature).