Infrared absorption cross sections for acetone (propanone), CH3C(O)CH3, have been determined in the 3 μm spectral region from spectra recorded using a high-resolution FTIR spectrometer (Bruker IFS 125 HR) and a multipass cell with a maximum optical path length of 19.3 m. The spectra of mixtures of acetone with dry synthetic air were recorded at 0.015 cm−1 resolution (calculated as 0.9/MOPD using the Bruker definition of resolution) at a number of temperatures and pressures (50–760 Torr and 195–296 K) appropriate for atmospheric conditions. Intensities were calibrated using three acetone spectra (recorded at 278, 293 and 323 K) taken from the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) IR database.Research Highlights► Acetone infrared absorption cross sections have been determined from 2615 to 3300 cm−1. ►These cover temperatures from 195 to 296 K and appropriate atmospheric pressures. ►These cross sections will allow retrievals of acetone profiles from ACE satellite data.