Pasting characteristics and amylose-surfactant complex forming ability of sweet potato starch were investigated after defatting and the addition of surfactants, such as SSL (sodium steamyl-2-lactylate) Dimodan (mono/di glyceride) and SE (sucrose ester) with different concentrations. All starch granules were smooth and round, there were no damages to starch granules after defatting and surfactant addition. amylose content of surfactant added stach decreased and me order of decrease was SSL, SE and Dimodan. The cornplex forming ability of SE added starch increased according to increasing HLB value. As surfactants concentration increased, amylose complex formig ability increased. In case of gelatinization patterns by amylograph, the initial pasting temperature of surfactant added starches was higher than mat of untreated or defatted starches, but viscosity at each temperature were all decreased. Soluble carbohydrate and leached amylose of starches increased at increasing temperature, those of surfactant added starches decreased at each temperature in the order of SSL, SE and Dimodan.