Abstract: In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of two kinds of 80 t steel ladle were compared from the aspects of refractory consumption, steel structure weight, equipment investment, ladle heat dissipation, operation cost and metallurgical effect. When the ratio of diameter to height of liquid steel bath in the 80 t steel ladle is close to 1，it has the advantages，1）Ladle has a lower weight and equipment investment is saved by ￥520 000~624 000；2）The refractory are consumed less and cost is saved by  ￥68 000 every year；3）Operation cost is lower and saved by ￥250 000 every year； 4）Ladle heat dissipation is less and cost is saved by ￥421 000 every year；5）Blind spots are reduced and is better for inclusion floating；6）The slag drawn into by vortex is reduced and the purity of liquid steel is heightened .

Key words: steel ladle, optimization design, the ratio of height to diameter, metallurgical effect