The present invention provides a secondary cell with an enlarged capacity, therefore enlarging a discharge capacity as well as improving charge/discharge cycle characteristics. The secondary cell has a carbon material for a negative electrode, wherein the spacing of (002) planes d.sub.002, a true density, a crystallite size in the direction of c axis Lc, a and specific surface area of the carbon material are restricted to ranges of 3.39.ANG. to 3.62.ANG., 1.70 g/cc to 2.20 g/cc, 10.ANG. to 50.ANG., and 2 m.sup.2 /g to 50 m.sup.2, respectively. The carbon material is selected from a carbon material group consisting of needle cokes, pitch cokes, and coke derived from furfuryl alcohol.