Abstract: Laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is one of the most important method for in situ zircon U-Pb isotopic dating. Matrix effect primarily impacts on the accuracy and precision of zircon LA-ICP-MS U-Pb isotopic dating results. Based on the formers' research achievements, this article summarized three types of matrix effect, including element related matrix effect, high uranium or high D_dpa matrix effect, and alpha dose matrix effect. The properties and probably mechanisms of the three effects were illustrated in detail. The limitation and potential problems of the existing strategies were pointed out.