Based on the elevation data of tidal flat profiles from field survey conducted in 2007 along the Jiangsu Coast, together with the numerical simulation results, the morphological characteristics of tidal flat profiles in different sections and their response to tides, waves and sediment supplies were compared and analyzed. Results show that the profile of tidal flats dominated by tidal current tends to be convex. With the increase in sediment supply, the profile can further develop into a sloping convex combination or double convex one. An increasing sediment supply attributes to a gentler and wider tidal flat profile. Besides, the tide-dominated tidal flat profile with a constant sediment supply tends to be steeper with a larger tidal range. Finally, the profile of wave-dominated tidal flats lacking sediment supply tends to be concave or linearly sloping, and a larger wave height results in a steeper tidal flat profile.