Abstract: The rapid development of machine tools and laser metrology has led to an increased efficiency of ultra-precision single point diamond turning (SPDT) technology.To improve the study method of the surface roughness of a work-piece obtained through SPDT,this paper presents the typical methods that can be employed for the prediction and analysis of surface roughness in SPDT as well as their features based on the study results in literatures.They are the method based on cutting theory,spectral analysis and artificial intelligence.Using more than one method to study the surface roughness is promising,because each one has its advantages.