Abstract: Rolls' deformation and roll force distribution between rolls on a six-high mill are calculated by influence function method to study the influence of single-taper crowned intermediate rolls on the roll force distribution between rolls and transverse distribution of strip thickness. The results show that the intermediate rolls can improve the roll force distribution between rolls and decrease considerably the peak value of the roll force while the transverse thickness difference of strip increases slightly and attains its maximum value at strip edge. The roll force distribution and transverse distribution of strip thickness with intermediate rolls tapered differently are calculated, and the optimal range of taper is determined 1/100-1/150 by comparing strip edge thickness to the peak value of roll force. Thus, the peak value of roll force can be decreased by 15%-20%, and the transverse thickness difference of strip increased by just few microns. Due to such an improvement, the strip shape can meet the standard required.