Abstract: Compared here in the essay are the Charpy impact test methods as specified under the currently-used three impact test standards in terms of the applicable scope,the specimen preparation requirement,the equipment requirement,the test procedure and evaluation of the test result,etc.As a result facts as follows are revealed via the comparison.Standard ASTM A 370 specifies the Charpy V-notch;Standard ASTM E 23 and GB/T 229 specify Charpy impact test notch types,i.e.,the V-notch,the U-notch and the non-notch specimen;both Standard ASTM A 370 and Standard ASTM E 23 specify the striker radius as 8 mm,while under GB/T 229 two striker radii are specified i.e.,2 mm and 8 mm;GB/T 229 has more delailed requirememts for specimen insulation.