An accelerated ageing test is proposed for predicting the short-term evolution of the mechanical strength of compressed tablets. The test consists in tumbling the tablets for instance in a friabilator for a short while. Data for five direct-compression excipients show that after the treatment, the tensile strength of the tablets reaches about the same value as after normal ageing. Both increase and decrease in strength were observed. The accelerated ageing test can be of good help for adjusting the tableting machine setting to reach the target tablet crushing strength in production.