In this study a MRAC(model reference adaptive control) for fluid power elevator model system was designed. The MRAC was compared with PI control in case of applying to the elevator model system with constant external load and changing external load. In this case external load was produced by a single fluid power cylinder combined with pressure control valve. In conclusion the MRAC control performance was better than PI control performance because overshoot and steady state error of the elevator model system controlled by the MRAC were not appeared for constant and changing external load.