A theoretical calculation model was established to study the static characteristics of porous graphite aerostatic thrust bearings. Based on the proposed model,the effect of the related factors,such as porous density,surface-restricted layer,external gas pressure and mass flow rate on the static characteristics of porous aerostatic thrust bearings was analyzed. Theoretical calculation results show that the load-carrying capacity of the bearing is negatively correlated with the graphite density and positively correlated with the gas supply pressure,but it is smaller than that of the surface-restricted layer. Gas mass flow rate is negatively correlated with the graphite density and positively correlated with the gas supply pressure,but it is also smaller than that of the surface-restricted layer. Bearing stiffness is positively correlated with the gas supply pressure and graphite density,but it is smaller than that of the surface-restricted layer. According to the results,corresponding function diagrams were plotted. The test rig was then designed to plot the static characteristic curve of porous aerostatic thrust bearings,including the load-carrying capacity and gas film thickness. The numerical method was eventually verified by the experimental results.