The present invention relates to a method of making tungsten carbide powder by dissolving at least one organic or inorganic metal salt or compound of at least one of the groups IV, V, and VI of the periodic system preferably Cr, V, Mo and W in at least one polar solvent. Powder of WO.sub.3 is added to the solution, the solvent is evaporated, the remaining powder is heat treated in reducing atmosphere, mixed with carbon and carburized.