Abstract: Based on the analysis of the change in torque during plate rolling with respect to each pass reduction, it is known that the peak torque occurring in the biting phase of workpiece head is the key factor to restrain the pass reduction. In view of how the steady-state rolling torque changes in the whole rolling process, the workpiece head thickening method is proposed for the early pass reductions in both spread and elongation rolling phases, i.e., the pass reduction is increased properly during steady-state rolling after the biting phase. Then a relational expression of rolling torque and pass reduction is derived, by which the reduction is given. The method proposed can effectively improve the capacity of rolling mills without reform the existing rolling system. It is therefore applicable to plate mills.