In this paper we give values of the tidal gravimetric factor as well as of the Love numbers for the tidal surface displacement and for the tidal mass redistribution potential that are consistent with the presently adopted definitions. We present analytical expressions for these quantities and compute numerical values for two rotating, nonspherical Earth models. In the first model the Earth is everywhere in hydrostatic equilibrium, and the inner core and mantle are both elastic. In the second model the Earth is ellipsoidal with an inelastic mantle and with a nonhydrostatic initial state for which the effects of mantle convection and its associated boundary deformations are considered. This latter model is constrained to reproduce the observed free core nutation period and global Earth dynamical flattening. ¿ 1999 American Geophysical Union