Abstract: The calculation method of the sectional area of carrying material section is the key factor to determine the width of conveyor belt, and it directly affects the belt conveyor system financially.This paper reviews and analyzes the development of the calculation method of the carrying material sectional area of belt conveyor.The authors compare and analyze the surface contours of material accumulation and margins in the calculation method of the sectional area of the carrying material section of the current mainstream DIN22101, ISO5048 and CEMA.By means of calculating the sectional area, series expansion, analysis theory and numerical calculation are given, proven that when the structure and material parameters are the same, the theory of sectional area of carrying material from small to large is as follows:the arc calculation formula, DIN22101 calculation formula, ISO5048 calculation formula; The calculation formula of DIN22101 carrying material area is simple, but needs to convert the dynamic repose angle to the equivalent angle; the CEMA (arc formula) calculation method of carrying material sectional area has a larger margin, especially in the case of large belt width, the economy of system is reduced, also the calculation formula is not simple enough; the calculation formula of ISO5048 carrying material has a simple cross-sectional area form, which is recommended in the development of national standards.