The modelling of an anisotropic alnico magnet for the purpose of field computation involves assigning a value for the material's permeability in the transverse direction. This is generally based upon the preferred direction properties, being all that are easily available. By analyzing the rotation of intrinsic magnetization due to the self demagnetizing field, it is shown that the common assumptions relating the transverse to the preferred direction are not accurate. Transverse magnetization characteristics are needed, and these are given for Alnico 5, 5-7, and 8 magnets, yielding appropriate permeability values.