A new method is given for the complete determination of either the initial or the induced state of stress at a given point in a rock mass by means of measurements carried out in a single borehole. The hole need not be dry and the method can be applied at great depths. The method consists in cementing into a small diameter borehole a plastic cylinder in which an assembly of electrical strain gauges is embedded, and relieving the stresses by overcoring. Analytical expressions are deduced which enable the state of stress in the rock mass to be determined from the deformations undergone by the strain gauges, and laboratory and in situ tests are described to show the feasibility and accuracy of the proposed method. © 1969, Thomas Telford Ltd. All rights reserved.