This article discusses interpretation of adsorption data from microporous coals and carbons. Problems associated with activated diffusion, molecular sieve effects, cooperative adsorption effects, the use of polar adsorbates and understanding of limitations and value of theoretical adsorption equations are assessed. The Dubinin-Radushkevich and Dubinin-Astakhov equations appear superior to Langmuir or BET equations in terms of differentiating and describing the microporosities.