A literature study has been made of rates for the reaction of oxygen with high-purity artificial graphite. Values from a number of sources have been expressed on a common basis which provides approximate correction for the retarding effects of oxygen diffusion in the graphite pores. The corrected rates can be correlated by the equation k = 7.24 x 10^9 exp (-22 100/T), where k has units of weight fraction oxidized per hour and T as in °K. Effects of oxygen concentration, solid and gas-phase contaminants, and radiation on the observed rates are discussed. Methods for estimating rates and spatial distribution of heat release during graphite oxidation are presented. These should be of value in analyzing the hazard of a graphite fire following a coolant system rupture in a gas-cooled, graphite-moderated reactor.