We have compared 23 compounds, with and without transphosphorylating properties, as buffer systems for human serum alkaline phosphatase activity, with p-nitrophenylphosphate as substrate. Relative enzyme activity in four representative buffers at near-optimal conditions was ethylaminoethanol > diethanolamine > 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol > carbonate. Transphosphorylation was demonstrated in the two buffers in which the enzyme was most active, ethylaminoethanol and diethanolamine. The optima for pH, buffer concentration, and substrate for these four systems were studied in detail. 2-Ethylaminoethanol supports the highest enzyme activity of any of the compounds tested. Diethanolamine was shown to have many of the favorable characteristics required for a reference enzyme procedure.