Single crystal of potassium dichromate (KDC) has been grown from aqueous solution by slow evaporation technique. The lattice parameters of the grown crystal were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The optical absorption studies reveal that the crystal has UV cut-off wavelength around 240 nm. Thermo gravimetric and differential thermal (TGA/DTA) studies revealed that the crystal thermally stable up to 397.1 C. The mechanical strength of the grown crystal was carried out by Vickers micro hardness test. The crystal perfection was confirmed by etching studies. Third order nonlinear optical studies was performed using by single beam Z-scan technique using continuous Nd:YAG laser. Closed aperture Z-scan studies reveal the negative nonlinearity in the crystals and open aperture Z-scan reveals the saturation absorption. Also various parameters such as nonlinear refractive index n2, absorption co-efficient β and nonlinear optical susceptibility χ(3) were calculated for the grown crystal. © 2013 Elsevier GmbH.