Radial and axial distributions of gas holdup and bubble characteristics have been investigated in a tapered bubble column. Bubble characteristics have been measured by using dual electrical resistivity probe method, with the variations of operating variables such as gas and liquid flow rates. Experiments have been conducted with a conical-shaped column of 0.5 m in height, with an apex angle of 12 °. The column size has been 0.05 m I.D. and 0.15 m I.D. at the bottom and top, respectively Compressed air and tap water have been used as a dispersed gas and a continuous liquid phase, respectively. It has been found that the gas holdup has increased with increasing gas flow rate at all test sections, and slightly decreased with increasing liquid flow rate. The radial gas holdup distribution has been found to have maximum value at the centerline of the column and it has decreased as approaching the wall region. The local gas holdup has been more uniform with increasing the height from the distributor. The bubble size and rising velocity have increased with increasing gas flow rate and height in the column, which have been well correlated in terms of operating variables.