Based on the introduction of the concepts and basic theories of ecological compensation in the world, the studies on the calculation of the payment standards, the core of the ecological compensation, are summarized. The results show that most studies are based on the cost and benefit approach, while the quantitative evaluation of ecosystem service is less applied. The studies on the payment standards in the future should consider different types of ecosystem services in watershed, and the payment schemes of multiple scenarios should be established based on interdisciplinary knowledge and water pollution control policies in local watershed. Meanwhile, the payment standards should be dynamically optimized according to the individual behavior analysis so as to promote the effective, accurate and persistent implementation of the ecological compensation policies in watersheds.