Current methods in measuring soil particle size distribution (PSD) include sieving method, sedimentation method (including pipette method and densitometer method), laser diffraction (LD) method, and so on. In recent years, due to the advantages of simple operation, high efficiency, small amount of test samples and suitability for batch sample determination, LD method has been widely applicated in analyzing soil PSD. This article introduced the basic principle and analysis method of soil PSD by LD method, and reviewed the research advance and influence factors of LD method. Researches indicate LD method can obtain more accurate results. A stable prediction model for large scale can be established on condition of enough sample size, many diffrernt soil texture types, and feasible pretreatment methods. Although some influence factors can influence the accuracy of LD method, such as pretreatment methods, instrument settings, amount of test sample and so on, LD method provides an efficient and quick technological means for soil PSD determination and advanced technical support for precise agriculture and digital agriculture.