The physiological quality of seeds is normally assessed by standard germination and vigor tests. However, in batches with a high degree of heterogeneity, these tests can have low sensitivity, and it is necessary to obtain reliable results in a short period of time, ensuring rapid decision-making in relation to the physiological quality of seeds. With this in mind, the aim of this study was to separate batches of soybean, bean and corn seeds in terms of vigor, using respiratory activity. To this end, three batches of seeds from these crops were subjected to standard viability and vigor tests, such as germination, first germination count, germination speed index, electrical conductivity, seedling emergence and emergence speed index in the greenhouse, length and dry mass of the aerial part and roots of the seedlings from the germination and seedling emergence tests and respiratory activity.