A factor governing the probability of particular α-martensite orientations in unstable austenitic steels showing the γ → α strain martensite transformation is the work done by an external load in shape change accompanying the formation of the martensite α crystals. The authors consider a method of evaluating this factor in steels containing various types of α martensite. The method is based on comparing the calculated polar figures with the observed ones, e.g., from electron microscopy on polycrystalline specimens, which give the directions for the uniaxial strain, along which the stretching or compression gives rise to crystals of strain-induced α martensite. An example of the method is presented in which measurements on α-martensite formation in steels 50N29 and 24N33 are utilized.