An analysis of the cutting performance of multipass abrasive waterjet machining is presented based on an experimental investigation on an 87% alumina ceramic. It is shown that with a good combination of cutting parameters such as nozzle traverse speed, multipass cutting demonstrates distinct superiority over the single pass cutting. Plausible trends of kerf quality and depth of cut with respect to the number of passes, nozzle traverse speed and nozzle traverse direction are analyzed. A general guide for the selection of cutting parameters in multipass cutting are finally presented based on the analysis.