The vertical motion control of the roll was studied in order to improve the accuracy in simulation of variable gauge rolling. The discretization was carried out in the transition zone of TRB according to the principle of volume invariance. Based on this assumption, the formula for time step of vertical motion of rolls was proposed and the time-displacement curve of the vertical motion of rolls was established. In the preliminary simulation, the time-displacement curve was used as an initial method to control the vertical motion of rolls. Based on the simulation result, the formula for vertical velocity of roll in variable gauge rolling was derived from the common rolling principle. According to the formula, reasonable vertical velocity of rolls in the subsequent simulation was determined. It can accurately control the motion of rolls along the vertical direction. The desired thickness and outline profile of transition zone were acquired and the formula proved effective by the simulation. Further analysis shows that the di fference of thickness in the thick zone and the thin zone of TRB, length of the transition zone of TRB, radius of work rolls and rotation speed of rolls have a significant effect on the vertical velocity of rolls. The vertical motion control of the roll was studied in order to improve the accuracy in simulation of variable gauge rolling. The discretization was carried out in the transition zone of TRB according to the principle of volume invariance. Based on this assumption, the formula for time step of vertical motion of rolls was proposed and the time-displacement curve of the vertical motion of rolls was established. In the preliminary simulation, the time-displacement curve was used as an initial method to control the vertical motion of rolls. Based on the simulation result, the formula for vertical velocity of roll in variable gauge rolling was derived from the common rolling principle. According to the formula, reasonable vertical velocity of rolls in the subsequent simulation was determined. It can accurately control the motion of rolls along the vertical direction. The desired thickness and outline profile of transition zone were acquired and the formula proved effective by the simulatio Further analysis shows that the di fference of thickness in the thick zone and the thin zone of TRB, length of the transition zone of TRB, radius of work rolls and rotation speed of rolls have a significant effect on the vertical velocity of rolls.