In this study, four kinds of $Si_3N_4$-based ceramic cutting tools with different sintering time were fabricated to investigate the relation among mechanical properties, grain size and tool life. They were used to turn gray cast iron at a cutting speed of 330m/min and depth of cut of 0.5mm and 1mm in dry, continuos cutting conditions. Multiple linear regression model was used to determine the relations among the mechanical property, grain size and the density. It was found that the combination of hardness and fracture toughness showed a good relation with tool life. It was also shown that hardness was the most important single element for the tool life.