A fuzzy-logic based overload control for packet switches wherein a distribution curve is developed regarding the overload possibility versus receive packet stream processing rate. The transmit packet stream is measured and a processing rate of the receive packet stream is measured. An overload possibility value is manipulated according to the measured bursts of the transmit packet stream and a location on the distribution curve of the measured processing rate. Packets are dropped from the transmit stream if the overload possibility value is above a threshold.