The isometric tension of glycerinated muscle fibers and the adenosine triphosphatase activity of homogenates were determined as a function of the concentration of adenosine triphosphate without the addition of divalent cations. These two phenomena are not parallel; large tensions can be developed with negligible hydrolysis of adenosine triphosphate. It is concluded that the large negative free energy change of the hydrolysis is not required for shortening or development of tension.