This study aims to recognize the determinants of capital adequacy in Syrian private banks listed in Damascus stock exchange. Through review of main theoretical and empirical research, six factors were chosen such as: credit risk, interest rate risk, liquidity risk, leverage risk, bank size and profitability. Analysis of data which was extracted from financial semi- annual reports of these banks was performed using multiple linear regression. The results showed inverse correlation between credit risk, interest rate risk and capital adequacy ratio. This study also confirms positive relationship between leverage risk and capital adequacy ratio. On the other hand, the size of the bank and its profitability does not seem to have essential role in determining capital adequacy ratio in Syrian private banks.