[Problem to be Solved] An object of the present invention is to provide a polyphenylene ether powder that has a high loose apparent specific gravity and good handleability, as well as a high solvent solubility, and good covering properties by coating, applying and the like, and further, when formed as a covering film, providing the covering film with excellent mechanical properties. [Solution] The polyphenylene ether powder according to the present invention has a loose apparent specific gravity of 0.40 or more and 0.85 or less, and includes 5 to 20 mass% of a component having a molecular weight of 50,000 or more and 12 to 30 mass% of a component having a molecular weight of 8,000 or less.