The impact of water deficit on cell membrane permeability of leaves and roots of spring barley seedlings cultivars Ella and Kucyk was studied in controlled conditions. The evaluation of membrane permeability was conducted using a modified conductometric method. The relative electrolyte leakage (EL) was calculated on the basis of relative electrical conductivity values. The relative leakage ratio (RLR) was determined by a spectrophotometric method. The values of electrolyte leakage and relative leakage increased with increasing water deficit. This may indicate changes in membrane permeability, stability and integrity due to water deficit. Higher RLR values were observed compared to the EC value when evaluating damage to cell membrane of leaf and roots of both barley cultivars.