[Objective] The ecological footprint and spatial and temporal characteristics of ecological carrying capacity during 2000-2015 in the Ordos Plateau were studied in order to provide a theoretical basis for the sustainable development of the local economy and society of an ecologically fragile area.[Methods] The Landsat images and social as well as economic statistical data in 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2015 were utilized. This data was based on the transfer matrix analysis of land use and cover change and was used to study the temporal and spatial variation characteristics of the ecological carrying capacity in the Ordos Plateau. This was achieved by employing the modified ecological footprint model with the development index of the social and economic system.[Results] ① Grassland and unused land were the primary land use types in the Ordos Plateau from 2000 to 2015. The ecological footprint was observed to increase rapidly from 2000 to 2010; subsequently, it relatively slowed down after 2010. From 2000 to 2015, the average annual ecological footprint showed a gradually increasing trend with an average speed of 15.93% per year. ② The total ecological carrying capacity in different locations was observed to be in the following decreasing order:Jungar Banner, Dalad, Hanggin Banner, and Otog Qian Banner. The per capita ecological carrying capacity of Hanggin Banner was the highest, followed by the Otog and Jungar Banner. Moreover, the values of the Dongsheng District were relatively the lowest for the period of 2000-2015, except 2000.[Conclusion] The Ordos Plateau demonstrated an ecological surplus status from 2000 to 2005. However, this status changed into an ecological deficit from 2005 to 2015. The ecological carrying capacity was seriously overdrawn in the Ordos Plateau, and the local sustainable development had to face increasingly significant challenges.