The effects of starting composition, sintering temperature and porosity on the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite ceramics were investigated. The hydroxyapatite powder were prepared by precipitation method using Ca(NO3)2.4H2O and (NH4)2.HPO4. The obtained powders were Ca-deficient hydroxyapatites and as the Ca/P mole ration in the initial solution was increased, the particle size of the precipitates was decreased, and the decomposition of hydroxyapatite to $eta$-TCP was controlled. The porosity, as well as Ca/P mole ratio in starting composition and sintering temperature, plays major role in the mechanical properties of dense hydroxyapatite ceramics.