This paper presents the influence of lime, in the range of 0–13%, on the compaction behaviour of soils with wide range of plasticity characteristics (i.e. liquid limit varying from 45% to 460% and plastic limit 26% to 53.7%). The test results indicate that as the percentage of lime increases the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) reduces till 3% of lime after which MDD continues to increase, with increase in lime content. Correspondingly the Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) increases till 3% of lime, after which the OMC decreases with increase in lime content. Based on the present study it can be said that relatively higher quantity of lime (i.e. more than 5%) should be added to soil to obtain better compaction density.