In this paper, the relationship between the mechanical properties of alumina abrasives and grinding performance was investigated. Micro vickers hardness and fracture strength of all abrasives used in this study were measured. The grinding experiments were earned out with alumina grinding wheels made by various kinds of alumina abrasives including 32A, WA, ART, ALOMAX, and RA. The performance of such grinding wheel for grinding SKD11 was evaluated by specific grinding energy, grinding-ratio, and surface roughness. The grinding wheels composed by the harder abrasives and the lower fracture strength abrasives showed better grinding performance.