Objective To understand the effect of the resect margin(RM)to hepatectomy for primary hepatocellularcarcinoma(PHC).Methods In 544 cases,72 cases were small PHC(≤3cm),473 cases were large PHC(＞3cm). Four groups were classified according to the distance of RM The 5-year recurrence rate and survival rate after hepatic resection in each group were analyzed. Results RM with residue cancer or cancer embolus had a high 5-year recurrencre rate and lower survival rate in both small and large PHC. Small PHC with RM≥1.0cm and large PHC with RM≥2.0cm had higher 5-year survival rate and lower recurrence rate. Conclusion We recommend RM≥1.0cm for smallPHC and RM≥2.0cm for large PHC.