The performance of magnetic abrasive finishing fur surface is evaluated by the characteristic curve. The characteristic curve is generated by experiment in surface finishing. For experiment, new magnetic inductor is designed and manufactured. 15 kinds of powders are provided to find the relationship between powder characteristic and finishing performance. As powder, Fe-TiC. Polymer-TiC and Fe-NbC are used with different size. The size of abrasives and location are also important factor for the performance. From characteristic curve, two index are obtained, which specify the initial finishing performance and endurance of finishing performance. It is proved that the performance index can be applied to select proper powder for efficient deburring. It is shown that the characteristic curve can be used as good tools for evaluating powder performance in surface finishing and deburring.