The pellets ARE powder, held together with a fast dissolving binder. At least the pellets from Lowes are. I have both powder and pellets. The pellets being easier to work with broadcasting in the garden. You can see for yourself very easily. Just put a tbl or so in a glass of water. Soon, you should have brown water from the dissolved binder and a layer of ground lime on the bottom of the glass. Just sprinkle on the top of your soil and regular watering will do the rest. Wet