Provided is a more accurate method for evaluating the softening/melting properties of a caking additive and coal while using a simple method by measuring the softening/melting properties of the caking additive and coal in a state that sufficiently simulates the environment in the periphery of a caking additive and coal that have been softened/melted in a coke oven. The level of quality that is desired in a coal brand favorable for producing high-strength coke using said method is elucidated. Further provided is a method for preparing coal of a brand having such a level of quality. The method for preparing coal for coke production is characterized by adjusting the penetration distance of coal to be no greater than a predetermined value for at least one type of coal when producing a blended coal for coke production by blending a plurality of types of coal. Preferably, the penetration distance of the coal is decreased by bringing the coal into contact with an oxygen-containing gas, and preferably, the predetermined value of the penetration distance is no greater than double the weighted average penetration distance of the blended coal.
