On the basis of change in absorption spectra of Azure dye A, the simplified and improved method for determination of anionic surfactants is described. The method is based upon the formation of colored complex between the cationic dye azure A (AA) and anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The ionic complex is extractable in chloroform. This procedure is consists of a rapid single extraction of the acidified aqueous test sample with chloroform. Under the optimal experimental conditions, absorbance of extract obeyed the Lamberts & Beer’s law .Depending upon the pH of the solution, the excitation of Azure A leads to formation of absorbance peak in the range of (ʎ max.) at 555 nm, concentration range of 0.1 – 6.5 ppm. The interference due to the ions Cl-, F-, Ca2+ and Mg2+ were examined as well as the effect of pH. The method is applicable to waste water analysis.