The average in situ volume fraction of the liquid phase for gas‐liquid cocurrent downflow through packed beds is correlated to the input volume fraction of the liquid and the bed geometry. The range of operation is delineated into a high‐interaction regime and a low‐interaction regime based on the influence of the gas rate on the liquid holdup. Experimental data of the present investigation using air‐water and air‐CMC solutions, as well as that reported in literature covering a wide range in variables, are considered in the development of correlations for total and dynamic liquid holdup. Copyright © 1992 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering