Tensile properties and hardness of ordinary cast iron with additions of copper have been studied in relation to its microstructure. The results obtained are as follows: (a) Small additions of copper up to a certain level significantly increases tensile strength and hardness of the cast iron. (b) Increased tensile strength may be due to an enhanced peralitization of matrix by copper addition. (c) With increase in silicon content, an ever-increasing copper addition is required to improve these mechanical properties, with carbon remaining constant.