In the Yellow River, the Budyko equation parameter changes and its response to climate change and human activities were quantitatively analyzed based on the moving window, multiple stepwise regression(MSR), sensitive coefficient method and contribution assessment method. The results indicate that the Budyko equation parameter n increases during the period from 1956 to 2000 and the changes of the parameter are mostly relevant to P, P_op, G_GDP and A_irr. Wherein, the sensitive coefficient of P, which is the mostly sensitive to the Budyko equation parameter change, is 1. 169 and the changes of P has a negative effect on the increase of the parameter n(contribution rate is -20. 2%). In addition, the sensitive coefficients of P_op, G_GDP and A_irr are 0. 795, 0. 038 and -0. 152, respectively. Increasing human activities have positive effects on the increment of the parameter n and the increase in P_op has the major contributions to the increment of the parameter n(128. 7%).