Abstract We present Compton profiles of the GdAl 2 compound and its constituents using a 20Ci 137 Cs Compton spectrometer. The experimental Compton data have been analysed using theoretical data obtained from the spin polarised relativistic Korringa–Kohn–Rostoker (SPR-KKR) method and also the charge transfer on the formation of the compound. Both the experimental and the SPR-KKR theoretical Compton data support a charge transfer from Al→Gd in GdAl 2 , which is in accordance with the conclusions drawn from the partial, total and integrated density of states of GdAl 2 and its constituents.