Abstract: Experimental results have been presented for specific energy and average normal load on each diamond grain by measuring force signals in circular sawing of a granite.A quantitative analysis for expended energy has been made in an attempt to account for the magnitude of sawing energy. It has been shown that most of the sawing energy is expended by friction. The good relationships between the specific grain load with mean chip longitudinal area(Aa), consumed power per unit width with mean chip longitudinal areas generated by all cutting points per unit width both reveal the effects of friction in sawing. Because both contact length and mean chip thickness are related to Aa, it will be rational to describe sawing process using Aa. The influence of the factors such as machining parameters and removal rate of the materials may be rationally explained in connection with friction.