Abstract:MT inversion algorithms are mainly divided into two categories: linear and non-linear algorithms,among which the Marquit method,genetic algorithm and method of simulated annealing are representative algorithms.The paper compared the inversion procedures,results and theories among these three methods and pointed out each advantages and limitations and corresponding conditions needed to pay attention when these methods are used.The study showed that the Marquit method has poor ability in global optimization of objective function,only has ability in local optimization,but its operation speed is fast;simulated annealing and genetic algorithm have strong ability in global optimization of objective function but slow speed of algorithm.The Marquit method is chosen as inversion method when knowing underground geoelectric parameters in some degree in advance and being able to choose more reasonable preliminary solution,otherwise,the other non-linear inversion algorithms that have strong ability in global optimization are chosen.