Methods for determining the J integral from an experimental load versus load point displacement curve for the compact specimen are discussed. The original analysis by Merkle and Corten, which accounted for the tension component in the compact specimen, is presented along with a simplified version (of the analysis) that is shown to be essentially equivalent to the original formulation. Based on experimental results from Landes, Walker, and Clarke, a further simplified expression is recommended as the best expression to use for determining J for the compact specimen.