In engineering, the compression test is a technical test where a specimen is exposed to compression until the metal breaks or crushes. In most cases it is done with concrete and metals (especially steel), although it can be done on any material.

It is carried out by preparing standardized specimens that are subjected to compression in a universal machine.

The parameters that are achieved by carrying out this test are:

• Compression resistance.

• Breaking stress and compression without breakage.

• Shortening of length or increase in section from the initial point.