The characteristics of mixed-mode fracture toughness in silicon carbide were investigated using flexural tests with controlled surface flaw and the diametral compression tests with cracked Brazilian disk. Experimental results show that the slits introduced by the YAG laser in the Brazilian disk can be treated as cracks. The relationships between KI and KII under the mixed-mode fracture conditions are consistent with a prediction based on the coplanar energy release rate theory. While the crack size does not affect the mixed mode fracture conditions, the residual stress at cracktips influences the fracture toughness. Scanning electron microscope observations reveal that the effect of friction is very small in the mixed-mode crack extension.