A portable X ray spectrometer/dosemeter based on a silicon p-i-n diode has been developed. The instrument is capable of obtaining spectral information in the region from 18 keV to 150 keV and measuring photon absorbed dose rates in air in the region from 18 keV to 1.3 MeV. A theoretical method is described for obtaining a nearly air-equivalent response in the energy region between 18 ke V and 1.3 MeV. The instrument has a dynamic range for most energies between 5 μGy.h-1 and 50 mGy.h-1. Its small size, ability to provide spectroscopic output, and satisfactory air-equivalent response over a wide energy range, make this instrument more versatile than portable ionisation chambers.