BACKGROUND: Propofol is a short-acting intravenous sedative-hynotic agent that can be used for induction and maintenance of general anesthesia. This study was perfomed to evaluate adequate dose requirements of propofol by injection during anesthesia induction, and to evaluate the induction technique by assessing induction dose, induction time, success rate of induction and hemodynamic effects. METHODS: Ninety healthy adult patients(ASA class I or II), scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were randomly assigned to receive propofol 1 mg/kg(group I), 2 mg/kg(group II), and 3 mg/kg(group III) respectively as an induction agent. Mean arterial pressure(MAP) and heart rate(HR) were measured before the administration of propofol and just after successful induction. We determined the speed of injection as lasting 40 seconds. RESULTS: Success rate of induction in group I(30%) was lower than group II(100%) and III(100%). The induction time in group I(81s) was longer than group II(51s) and III(47s). The MAP were statistically significant difference among three groups(p<0.05 compared with before induction). In group III, the MAP was more decreased than group I and II and HR was more increased than group I and II. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that propofol in group II(2 mg/kg) is more desireable dose than group I(1 mg/kg) and group III(3 mg/kg) for induction of general anesthesia.