The present invention relates to graphite powder and to a battery using it as a negative electrode material, the powder having a specific surface area of not more than 3 m²/g, an aspect ratio of not more than 6, and a tapping bulk density of not less than 0.8 g/cm³; or a tapping bulk density of not less than 0.8 g/cm³ and an oxidation initiation temperature of not less than 600 C.; or a specific surface area of not more than 3 m²/g and a tapping bulk density of not less than 0.8 g/cm³, a specific electrical resistance of the powder not more than 0.06 cm in the specified condition. The battery obtained thus has a large discharge capacity, good cycle property and high charge and discharge efficiency.