[Objective] The spatial differentiation characteristics of the ecological value of cultivated land in river basins and regions within river basins were clarified, and a differential calculation model of the ecological compensation standard for cultivated land was established to improve the ecological compensation mechanism for cultivated land protection, in order to provide a reference for the formulation and implementation of ecological compensation policies for cultivated land protection in river basins. [Methods] The payers and beneficiaries of ecological compensation for cultivated land was defined, and the spatial differences in the ecological value of cultivated land in Liaohe River basin in Jilin Province were analyzed. On this basis, the ecological spillover benefits and boundaries of cultivated land were measured. Based on key factors such as regional cultivated land resource endowment and socio-economic development stage, a differentiated ecological compensation standard calculation model for cultivated land was established, and the ecological compensation standards and quotas for cultivated land in the research area were formulated. [Results] ① In 2020, there was an overall ecological surplus in the cultivated land of the research area, which belongs to the ecological compensation area. Except for Tiexi District, Longshan District, and Xi’an District, which belong to the cultivated land ecological payment area, the sustainability of cultivated land ecological services in other areas was good, and they had a strong carrying effect on the ecological consumption of cultivated land in the region, all of which belong to the cultivated land ecological compensation area. ② The cultivated land in the research area had an important ecological value, and its spatial differences were significant. The ecological spillover value of cultivated land reached 8.732 billion yuan, providing important ecological products and services for other regions, among which Gongzhuling City and Lishu County were the main areas of ecological spillover value of cultivated land. ③ The ecological compensation standard for cultivated land in the research area was 5 191.16 yuan/ha, with a total compensation amount of 5.976 billion yuan. Due to differences in ecological value, ecological profit and loss area, protection responsibility, and development stage of cultivated land, there were significant differences in compensation standards and amounts among different regions. [Conclusion] The research results scientifically identified the relevant stakeholders of ecological compensation for cultivated land and determined the ecological spillover benefits of cultivated land while considering spatial scale and regional reality, thereby achieving differentiated ecological compensation for cultivated land. The significance of the study is that it improves the mechanism of ecological compensation for cultivated land and enhances ecological compensation.