The objective of this study was to compare the two cross sectional modalities, USG and CT regarding the assessment of acute pancreatitis. All patients were first screened with USG and then underwent contrast–enhanced CT for the confirmation of diagnosis. Both USG and CT assessment was compared using several parameters including pancreatic enlargement, peripancreatic collection, pancreatic necrosis, ascites, pleural effusion and thickened retroperitoneal fascial planes. Chi square test was used to study the association between the comparable variables. P value and Odds ratio was calculated to study the level of significance and degree of correlation. This study emphasizes on the high value of USG as an initial tool in the screening and diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, however the severe forms of pancreatitis with pancreatic necrosis and thickened retroperitoneal fascial planes are better detected on CT.