Commercial LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ material is generally prepared by a combination of co-precipitation and solid state reaction method. The particle size distribution and morphology of Ni_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3(OH)₂ precursor have a great impact on the electrochemical performance of LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂. In this work, the crystal structure and surface morphology of LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂ prepared by three different precursors were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Particle size distribution, tap density and electrochemical performance were investigated. The results show that the particle size distribution of every precursor has most direct impact on properties of the corresponding LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂. The precursor with micropores on surface results in the best electrochemical performance. The discharge capacity for full cell test was 156.4 mAh·g^-1 (0.2C), meanwhile, the cycling performance is excellent. The capacity fading was limited in the first 300 cycles with up to 92% capacity retention after 500 cycles.