The ecological footprint method is a biophysical assessment method of the human appropriation of ecological capacity,measuring the ecological imperative of sustainability.Human consume products and services of nature;each of us have an impact on the earth.By calculating the difference between ecological footprint and ecological capacity,we can estimate whether it is in a sustainable status or not.This paper introduces the concepts of ecological footprint,the calculation model and the ecological capacity.According to the calculation model,ecological deficit of Yantai is 1.0789 ha per capita,which shows that Yantai City is in a unsustainable status.At last,measures are suggested to increase regional ecosystem's carrying capacity and to make the development sustainable.