The hydroxyl group and water contents of alumina, mullite and alumino(boro) silicate gels and porous glasses (xerogels) are discussed on the basis of thermogravimetric, gas adsorption and density measurements. Comparison is made for powder prepared by instant hydrolysis and optically clear monoliths by slow hydrolysis, heated in various atmospheres (air, vacuum, hydrogen). The hydroxyl content appears to depend on the Al/Si ratio: 6 OH-/nm(2) for alumina mesoporous glasses, 2 OH-/nm(2) for aluminosilicate mesoporous glasses and 3 OH-/nm(2) for microporous ones, typically.